Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (B) — 2 and 3 only
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedStatement 1 is incorrect: Under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, EPF coverage applies only to establishments employing 20 or more persons meeting prescribed wage thresholds; thus, not all casual workers are universally covered.
Statement 2 is correct: Casual workers are entitled to fixed working hours and overtime compensation under labor laws, including the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and Factories Act, 1948.
Statement 3 is correct: Under Section 6 of the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (amended in 2017), the appropriate government may specify by notification that employers must pay wages either by cheque or by crediting into bank accounts.
Broad generalizations starting with 'All' (e.g., 'All casual workers are entitled...') are frequently incorrect due to thresholds and exceptions in welfare laws.
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