Explanation:

• The Lancashire millowners were interested in getting the hours of work and employment of women and children regulated in order to enhance the cost of production of the Indian mills which had become their competitors.

• A committee was appointed in 1875 to inquire into the conditions of factory work in the country. Accordingly, the first Factories Act was adopted in 1881. Following this act, a Factory Commission was appointed in 1885. There was another Factories Act in 1891, 1911 and 1922.

• Factory Act 1881:For the first time British tried to improve the working conditions of laborers.

• The act prohibited employment of children under the age 7. Children between the age 7-12 were to work for maximum 9 hours.
• Dangerous machines should be fenced properly to avoid accidents 
• The act had a provision of one hour rest during the working period.
•  4 days leave in a month for workers was made compulsory.
• To supervise the implementation of this act,inspectors were appointed.
• This act was applicable only to factories using mechanical powers,employing not less than 100 workers.

• Factory Act-1891:

• In 1890, Indian factory commission appointed and on its report the next factory act of 1891 was passed.
•  Minimum age of children raised from 7 to 9; and between 9 and 14 years, work limit was only for 8 hours with no work at night.
•  For women, employment at night was prohibited.
•  For all workers including male, a mid day stoppage and one day rest per week was prescribed.
• The act applied to all factories employing not less than 50 persons

• Factory Act-1911:

• In 1906, the textile factory and labour committee was appointed and on its report the factory act of 1911 was enacted.
•  For the first time, hours of work for adult male workers was fixed at 12 hours/day.
• Certification of children's age was required.