The Employee's Compensation Act, 2009 ("the Act") has come into force. The Act has amended the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923 ("WCA") by inter alia expanding its coverage, increasing the amount of statutory compensation payable in the event of death or permanent disablement under the WCA and providing for speedier settlement of claims of the affected employees. The protection under the erstwhile WCA was available to persons employed in the specified hazardous employment in factories, mines etc. The WCA was also extended to commercial establishments by virtue of several state laws like the respective Shops and Establishment Acts.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.