A worker in a power-using factory is asked to work beyond the statutory 48 hours in a particular week. According to the Factories Act 1948, at what rate must overtime work be remunerated?

• A At the same ordinary hourly rate
• B At twice the ordinary rate ✓
• C At 1.25 times the ordinary rate
• D At three times the ordinary rate

Explanation

The Factories Act 1948 fixes the normal working week at 48 hours (maximum 9 hours per day). Hours worked beyond 48 in any week constitute overtime and must be paid at TWICE the ordinary rate of wages. Three times is a deliberate distractor borrowed from public-sector premium pay conventions, but the statute mandates only double the ordinary rate.

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

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