A SOCIO LEGAL STUDY ON MINIMUM WAGES FOR AGRICULTURAL LABOUR IN TAMILNADU WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHENNAI

AUTHOR – RAJESWARI. R, STUDENT AT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, THE TAMILNADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI

BEST CITATION – RAJESWARI. R, A SOCIO LEGAL STUDY ON MINIMUM WAGES FOR AGRICULTURAL LABOUR IN TAMILNADU WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHENNAI, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (4) OF 2026, PG. 967-984, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT :

The introduction is about the issue of minimum wages for agricultural labourers in Tamil Nadu, with special reference to the Chennai region and its surrounding rural areas. Agricultural workers play a vital role in the economy, yet many of them continue to face unfair wage practices, lack of proper contracts, and exploitation. Despite legal provisions, a large number of workers do not receive the minimum wages guaranteed by law. This research aims to examine the wage conditions of agricultural labourers, assess the role of government authorities, and analyse the implementation of wage-related laws and policies in ensuring justice for workers.The aim of this study is to explore the socio-legal aspects of minimum wages for agricultural labourers, especially in the context of Chennai, and to understand the ground realities faced by workers. The objectives include determining the main challenges in receiving fair wages, evaluating workers’ awareness of their wage rights, analysing the role of government inspections, and identifying wage discrimination based on gender and caste.The methodology used here empirical research method , samples have been collected using a convenient sampling method and  total of 203 samples have been collected for the study. The sample frame taken here is of public areas in and around Chennai. The findings reveal that many workers are unaware of their legal rights, are afraid to demand fair wages, and suffer from caste and gender discrimination. Government monitoring is found to be weak. The conclusion highlights the urgent need for stronger legal enforcement, regular inspections, awareness campaigns, and support systems to protect agricultural workers’ rights and promote wage justice in Tamil Nadu.

KEYWORDS : Minimum wage regulations,Agricultural labor,Labor rights, Economic impact,Fair wage,unfair wage..