The Equal Remuneration Act of 1976 mandates equal pay for men and women for the same work or work of a similar nature. The act protects women against discrimination based on sex in matters of employment. The act promotes fairness and equality in the workplace 

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2024 global gender gap report, it will take 134 years for men and women to have equal pay for the same kind of work. An advisory committee needs to be established to increase employment opportunities for women. 

The act is applicable to all establishments, encompassing both the public and private sectors. The act also designates the central or state government responsible for implementing and enforcing the provisions of the act. 

Despite stringent and necessary acts, women and men are paid unequally in the workplace. Are they promoted at the same rate? Are they appreciated as deserved? 

Gender Pay Gap in India

The difference in earnings between women and men in the paid employment and the labor market is still wide in India. For the year 2013, the gender pay gap in India was estimated to be 24.81%. In addition to unequal pay, there is also unequal representation, because while women constitute almost half the Indian population, their representation in the work force amounts to only about one-fourth of the total.