Leave with wages under section 52 of the Mines Act 1952

Last updated 25 Oct 2026 · India

Short answer. Under section 52 of the Mines Act 1952, every person employed in a mine who has completed a calendar year's service gets leave with wages in the next calendar year: one day for every 15 days of work if employed below ground, and one day for every 20 days of work for any other person. A calendar year's service means at least 190 attendances for below-ground workers and 240 attendances for others. Unused leave can be carried forward within the limits in the section, and wages for leave days are worked out as the Act lays down.

Worked example

Worker	Days worked last year	Qualifies?	Leave earned
Below ground	270	Yes (190+)	18 days (270 ÷ 15)
Surface	280	Yes (240+)	14 days (280 ÷ 20)
Surface	220	No (below 240)	Section 52 leave not earned for that year

For exam preparation

Remember the pairs: 15 and 190 for below ground, 20 and 240 for others.
Leave is earned on a calendar-year basis, not the financial year.
Section 52 sits with the hours and rest rules in the Act (sections 28 to 31); learn them together.

Common mistakes

Swapping the ratios (15 is for below ground).
Counting days on leave as attendance without checking how the Act treats them.
Using factory-law figures for a mine.

Frequently asked questions

How much leave does a below-ground mine worker earn?

One day of leave with wages for every 15 days of work, after completing a calendar year's service of at least 190 attendances.

How much leave do surface workers earn under the Mines Act?

One day for every 20 days of work, after at least 240 attendances in the calendar year.

Which section of the Mines Act covers annual leave?

Section 52 of the Mines Act 1952.

Official sources

Not legal advice. This is a free study note on the Mines Act 1952; read the full section on India Code and current DGMS circulars before relying on it. Last checked 25 Oct 2026.

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