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This wasn’t an outdated or off-the-grid setup. It was an active, regulated unit operating under the law, but still overlooked something as basic as a daily attendance register. When compliance slips through the cracks in everyday routines, it opens the door to bigger risks like legal trouble, operational gaps, and a dent in professional credibility.
In this blog, we’ll explain:
If you’re running a business that hires people for manual work, especially on a daily or temporary basis, then maintaining a muster roll isn’t just a good idea—it’s the law.
According to Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 Every employer who pays wages needs to maintain one. It doesn’t matter if your team is big or small, permanent or on contract.
Whether your team is big or small, formal or contractual, if you’re paying wages, you’re expected to maintain a proper muster roll. It’s not optional. It’s a basic compliance step that keeps your business operations clean, legal, and audit-ready.
You can maintain this in a physical register or use a digital tool like an Excel sheet or HR software; what matters is that it follows the structure and meets the legal requirements. A clear and consistent format of muster roll makes audits smoother and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
Muster roll format varies from state to state and in Karnataka they use Form T.
In 2019, a laundry factory in Goa was found to be operating without maintaining a muster roll. The inspection was conducted by labour officials under the Factories Act, 1948. Though the factory employed more than nine workers, it failed to maintain any attendance records for the month of May 2019.
Getting compliance right isn’t just about ticking boxes, rather it’s about building systems that actually work for your team, your contractors, and the law.
At Vishaal Consultancy Services, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all templates. We partner with you to build solid, practical processes that reduce your legal exposure and make your daily operations smoother.
Whether you’re managing a single site or overseeing multiple projects, we help you stay audit-ready, efficient, and confidently compliant.
A muster roll isn’t just paperwork—it’s proof that your workforce is accounted for, paid fairly, and managed responsibly. It protects your business from legal trouble, strengthens trust with your teams, and ensures that your operations run smoothly.
Whether you’re new to site management or have years of HR experience, getting your muster roll process right makes all the difference. Knowing what it is, how to format it properly, and why it matters isn’t optional—it’s critical.
If you’re unsure about your attendance system, now’s the time to consult the experts. Vishaal Consultancy Services is a recognised leader in labour law compliance. We don’t just guide—we deliver solutions that keep your operations audit-ready and risk-free.
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