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How to Get a Contract Labour (CLRA) Licence: Contractor Guide

A contractor deploying 20 or more workers to a principal employer generally needs a CLRA licence for that establishment, and the principal employer needs a registration. The licence is applied for with a Form V from the principal employer.

Check if the Act applies

The CLRA Act typically applies where 20 or more contract workers are engaged. Some states have lowered this threshold, so confirm the limit in the state where you deploy.

Get Form V from the principal employer

The principal employer, who must be registered under the Act, issues Form V certifying that you are their contractor. You need this to apply for the licence.

Apply for the licence

Submit the licence application (Form IV) with Form V, the prescribed fee and security deposit to the licensing officer, usually online through the state labour portal.

Maintain the registers

Once licensed, maintain the register of workmen, wage register, muster roll and issue wage slips, and display the required abstracts at the workplace.

Renew on time

The licence is issued for a period and must be renewed before it expires. Deploying without a valid licence, or beyond the sanctioned strength, is an offence.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs a CLRA licence, the contractor or the principal employer?

The contractor obtains the licence for each principal employer where the threshold is met; the principal employer obtains a registration. Both have duties under the Act.

What registers must a contractor maintain under CLRA?

A register of workmen, a wage register and a muster roll, and the contractor must issue wage slips and display the prescribed notices.

This guide explains the general process under Indian law and uses established statutory figures. Rules and portals change and some details are state-specific, so confirm the current requirement on the official government portal before you act.

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