Step 1: Historical Background of the Minimum Wages Act:
The Minimum Wages Act was passed in 1947 and came into force in 1948. Its objective was to safeguard workers against exploitation by fixing minimum wage standards across various employments and industries.
Step 2: Purpose and Significance:
The Act empowers both Central and State Governments to fix and periodically revise the minimum wage rates for different categories of workers. It ensures that wages are fair and sufficient to meet basic living costs, aligning with the directive principles of state policy under the Constitution.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation of the Options:
- (A) 1921: Incorrect, as no such legislation was introduced in this year.
- (B) 1923: Incorrect, as this year saw the enactment of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, not the Minimum Wages Act.
- (C) 1947: Correct, as the Act was enacted in 1947 and came into force in 1948.
- (D) 2007: Incorrect, as this refers to modern revisions or wage code proposals, not the original Act.
Step 4: Final Conclusion:
The correct answer is (C) 1947, as the Minimum Wages Act was enacted that year.