CLRA · All India
CLRA Registration for Principal Employers
An establishment engaging contract labour at or above the notified threshold must obtain a registration certificate before engaging contractors.
Who must register
- Establishments engaging the threshold number of contract workmen or more on any day.
- Registration is establishment-specific — a separate certificate is needed for each covered location.
- The certificate lists the contractors and the maximum number of workmen each may deploy.
Documents
- Details of the establishment and its principal employer and manager
- Contractor details with work orders and nature of work
- Maximum number of contract workmen per contractor
- Incorporation or registration documents and PAN
- Address proof of the establishment
- Registration fee challan
Keeping the certificate current
Adding a new contractor or increasing the workmen strength requires an amendment to the registration certificate. Engaging a contractor not listed on the certificate is a common finding in inspections.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CLRA?
- The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 — the law regulating the engagement of contract labour, requiring registration by principal employers and licences for contractors.
- Does the principal employer need a licence too?
- No. The principal employer needs a registration certificate; the contractor needs the licence.
Sources & references
Last Updated: 2026-09-06
Information is based on applicable laws, rules, notifications and government sources and should be verified for the latest amendments.
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