The Payment of Wages Act, 1936 is a significant labor legislation in India that was enacted to regulate the payment of wages to certain classes of employed persons. Its main objective is to ensure that workers receive timely and full payment for the work they perform. Below are some key features and provisions of the Payment of Wages Act, 1936:

1. Applicability: The act applies to all employees and workers, regardless of the kind of work they perform, unless they fall under certain specified categories.
2. Frequency of Wage Payments: The act stipulates that wages must be paid at regular intervals, which shall not exceed one month. For establishments where less than one thousand workers are employed, wages must be paid within seven days after the end of the wage period.
3. Mode of Payment: Wages are typically paid in cash. In certain cases, where employers have obtained permission from the appropriate authority, payment can be made through checks or direct bank transfers.
4. Deductions from Wages: The act allows certain deductions from wages, such as those required by law (like income tax) or those authorized by the employee. However, deductions must not exceed 75% of the total wages earned by the worker.
5. Prohibition of Unauthorized Deductions: Employers are prohibited from making any unauthorized deductions from wages.
6. Maintenance of Records and Registers: Employers are required to maintain and preserve records and registers containing particulars of employees, the work performed by them, the wages paid to them, and receipts by them.
7. Fixation of Wage Periods: Employers are required to fix wage periods for which wages are payable. The wage period must be fixed by the employer, and it should not exceed one month.
8. Overtime: If an employee works beyond the normal working hours, they are entitled to receive overtime wages at a rate higher than their normal wages. The rate is usually specified by the government.
9. Determination and Recovery of Wages: In case of a dispute regarding the amount of wages, the act provides a mechanism for the government to appoint an authority to hear and decide such disputes.
10. Maintenance of Records by Employers: Employers are required to maintain and preserve records and registers containing particulars of employees, the work performed by them, the wages paid to them, and receipts by them.
11. Penalties: The act prescribes penalties for violations, such as non-payment or delayed payment of wages.
12. Employer’s Liability for Failure to Pay Wages: The act makes it clear that if an employer fails to pay wages to their employees as per the provisions of the act, they can be held liable.
13. Inspecting Authorities: The act empowers authorities to inspect records, registers, and notices maintained by employers to ensure compliance with the provisions of the act.

The Payment of Wages Act, 1936 is an important piece of legislation that protects the rights of workers by ensuring that they receive fair and timely payment for their labor. It sets out clear guidelines for the payment of wages, thereby preventing exploitation of workers by unscrupulous employers.