Rules 62 and 63 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Rule 62 requires building and construction employers to provide temporary living accommodation without charge for workers at remote sites. Rule 63 requires a motor transport employer to keep a staffed medical facilities room or dispensary at every operating centre and halting station.
Under rule 62, the employer of building or other construction work must provide suitable temporary living accommodation, without charge, for workers at sites remote from their homes where adequate transport between the site and home or other suitable accommodation is not available. The principal employer pays the accommodation expenses incurred by the contractor. Under rule 63, every motor transport undertaking must keep a medical facilities room or dispensary at each operating centre and halting station, under a full-time qualified medical practitioner with at least one nurse and one General Duty Assistant-Healthcare or Nursing Assistant.
Parent provisions in the Code
Both rules come from section 24(2) of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (the OSH Code). Clause (v) lets the Central Government prescribe temporary living accommodation, without charge and within the work site or as near to it as possible, for building workers. Clause (vi) provides for payment by the principal employer of the expenses the contractor incurs on the accommodation. Clause (ii) covers medical facilities at operating centres and halting stations, uniforms, raincoats and similar amenities for motor transport workers. Our section 24 explainer sets out the full list.
The Central Rules apply where the Central Government is the appropriate Government. Where the State Government is the appropriate Government, the State's own OSH rules apply. A labour law compliance review helps you see which set governs each site or depot.
Rule 62: living accommodation at construction sites
Rule 62 is a single paragraph with three working parts.
Who. "Every employer of a building or other construction work."
What. Suitable temporary living accommodation, provided without charge, made available "for the workers at construction sites remote from their homes".
When. Where "adequate transportation between the site and their homes or other suitable living accommodation is not available". The duty is conditional. If workers can reasonably travel daily, or suitable housing is otherwise available, the rule as written does not call for the employer to supply it.
Contractor sites. Where the work is done through a contractor, "the principal employer will pay the expenses incurred on providing accommodation to the contractor". So the contractor provides, and the principal employer reimburses. Contract arrangements should state this clearly, since a bill for accommodation is a cost that, under the rule, sits with the principal employer. Our definitions article on contract labour, contractor and principal employer explains those roles.
The rule does not list size, sanitation or distance standards for the accommodation. It says "suitable". Section 24(2)(v) also mentions the removal of the temporary accommodation and the return of any land obtained from a Municipal Board or local authority, and rule 62 does not repeat those points. Do not treat rule 62 as the only source on those matters; check the Code and any State rules.
Rule 63: medical facilities at motor transport centres
Rule 63 applies to "the employer of every motor transport undertaking". It has seven clauses. A summary by subject:
| Clause | Subject | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | Location | A suitable medical facilities room or dispensary at every operating centre and halting station, open round the clock or during working hours as the case may be, and kept in good order. For city service, this means depots and other offices only |
| (ii) | Space and equipment | Convenient place, adequate space and arrangements for a medical emergency, with at least the equipment in the illustrative list in Annexure VI. The employer may add items |
| (iii) | Staff | Under the charge of a full-time qualified medical practitioner appointed directly by the employer, assisted by at least one nurse and one General Duty Assistant-Healthcare or Nursing Assistant |
| (iv) | Doctor's qualifications | A medical qualification in the I or II schedule or Part II of the Third Schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, with the further conditions stated in the clause; a Diploma or Degree in Industrial or Occupational Health, or Associate Fellow in Industrial Health, to be acquired within one year of appointment |
| (v) | Nurse's qualifications | Registered under the State Nursing Council, with Basic Life Support training and emergency experience of not less than six months in a multispecialty hospital |
| (vi) | Layout | A minimum of two rooms: one for staff sitting and medicine storage, and one for emergency cum dressing or observation of the sick |
| (vii) | Utilities | Emergency lighting supply and a suitable communication medium, preferably a handheld device |
Three practical points.
Appointed directly by the employer. Clause (iii) says the practitioner is appointed "directly by the employer". An outsourced or visiting arrangement does not fit the wording. The practitioner must be full-time.
One-year rule for the doctor. Clause (iv) lets a practitioner who holds the listed medical qualification acquire the Diploma, Degree or Associate Fellowship in industrial or occupational health within one year of appointment. Track the date of appointment on the personnel file.
Annexure VI. The equipment list is in Annexure VI of the Rules. This article does not reproduce it. Read the Annexure for the items and keep a stock check.
Motor transport worker amenities under the Code
Section 24(2)(ii) of the Code also mentions uniforms, raincoats and other amenities for protection from rain or cold, and section 24(2)(iii) mentions shelters or rest rooms where an employee in a motor transport undertaking is required to halt at night. Rule 63 covers medical facilities only. For the remaining items, see the welfare rules on shelters and rest rooms in our rule 56 article.
Practical examples
Example 1. A builder executes a highway project through three contractors. Workers come from another State and the site is 40 kilometres from the nearest town with no regular transport. Each contractor provides temporary housing without charge and raises the cost to the principal employer, who pays it under rule 62.
Example 2. A bus operator has two depots and one halting station. Each has a two-room dispensary. The medical practitioner at the main depot is full-time and appointed by the company. The operator records the date on which she must complete her industrial health diploma.
Example 3. A city bus service finds that its offices are the only places it needs to cover, since clause (i) limits city service to depots and other offices.
Compliance checklist
- Map remote construction sites where transport and housing are not available.
- State in the contract that the principal employer reimburses accommodation costs.
- List every operating centre and halting station and its dispensary status.
- Appoint the practitioner and nursing staff directly and record qualifications.
- Stock against Annexure VI and check emergency lighting and communication.
Need help with welfare facility compliance?
If you run remote construction projects or a transport fleet with many depots, it helps to have one register of facilities and qualifications. Our team can review your arrangements against the Code and the Central Rules. Start with our labour law compliance service.
Key takeaways
- Rule 62 requires suitable temporary accommodation, without charge, at remote construction sites where transport or other housing is not available.
- The principal employer pays the contractor's accommodation expenses.
- Rule 63 requires a medical facilities room or dispensary at every operating centre and halting station of a motor transport undertaking.
- The room needs a full-time qualified practitioner appointed directly, a nurse, an assistant, two rooms and equipment at least as in Annexure VI.
- State rules apply where the State is the appropriate Government.
Read next
- Section 24 of the OSH Code: welfare facilities in the establishment
- Rules 60 and 61: medical examination in mines and residential facilities
- Rule 56: shelter and rest room
- Section 2 definitions: motor transport, newspaper and plantation
Disclaimer: Based on the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (as enacted) and, where noted, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 345(E), 8 May 2026), as on 30 September 2026. The Code is in force from 21 November 2025; some provisions may be notified later, and State Governments make their own rules for establishments where the State is the appropriate Government. Verify the current position before acting.