Under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 in India, employers have a legal obligation to pay wages to their workers not less than the minimum rates fixed by the appropriate government. Here are the key obligations of employers regarding the payment of minimum wages:

1. Payment of Minimum Wages: Employers must pay wages to their employees at rates not less than the minimum wages fixed by the appropriate government for the particular category of employment. These minimum wages are prescribed based on various factors such as the nature of work, skill levels required, cost of living, and prevailing wage rates in similar employments.
2. Compliance with Wage Rates: Employers are required to comply with the minimum wage rates notified by the government for their specific industry or sector. This includes paying the prescribed minimum wages to all eligible workers without discrimination.
3. Payment in Cash or Kind: Minimum wages can be paid either in cash or a combination of cash and other benefits such as food, housing, medical facilities, or other amenities. However, the total value of the wages paid in kind should not exceed a certain percentage of the total wage amount, as specified by the government.
4. Regular Payment of Wages: Employers must ensure the regular payment of wages to their employees at intervals not exceeding the specified period, such as daily, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, as per the terms of employment or industry practice.
5. Maintenance of Records: Employers are required to maintain accurate records of wages, including details of the amounts paid to each worker, deductions made, and other relevant particulars, as prescribed under the Minimum Wages Act and other applicable labor laws.
6. Display of Notices: Employers must prominently display notices in the workplace informing workers about the minimum wage rates applicable to their employment, as well as other relevant provisions of the Minimum Wages Act.
7. Prohibition of Unauthorized Deductions: Employers are prohibited from making unauthorized deductions from the wages of workers, except those permitted under the law, such as statutory deductions for taxes, provident fund contributions, or other legally mandated deductions.

Failure to comply with the obligations under the Minimum Wages Act, including non-payment or underpayment of minimum wages, may result in penalties, fines, and other legal consequences for employers, including prosecution and imprisonment in severe cases. Therefore, it is essential for employers to ensure strict compliance with the minimum wage requirements to avoid legal liabilities and uphold the rights of workers.