A factory employing 500 workers is required under the Factories Act 1948 to provide a canteen. As per which Schedule amendment (specific to canteen requirement), this obligation applies to factories employing:

• A 250 or more workers
• B 100 or more workers with hazardous processes
• C 500 or more ordinary workers OR 250 or more workers in scheduled (hazardous) industries ✓
• D 1000 or more workers in any factory

Explanation

Section 46 of the Factories Act 1948 mandates a canteen in factories employing 250 or more workers (ordinary factories) or in notified/scheduled hazardous industries employing fewer workers. The threshold has been interpreted and amended variously — the general rule is 250 workers; however many states and the central rules apply 500 workers for ordinary factories. The provision specifically applies to hazardous-process factories at a lower threshold. Welfare officers are required for 500+ workers.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.