The Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979 (ISMWA) is an Indian law that regulates the employment and conditions of service for migrant workers who travel between states. The act was passed by Parliament in 1979 and came into effect on June 11, 1979. 

Purpose of the act 

• To protect workers who are called to work outside of their home state
• To regulate the employment of inter-state migrant workers
• To provide for their conditions of service

What the act covers 

• Payment of wages
• Payment of displacement and journey allowances
• Provision of suitable housing
• Provision of medical facilities
• Provision of protective clothing
• Equal pay for equal work

Who enforces the act 

• The Central Government enforces the act for establishments that fall under the Central sphere
• The State Governments and Union Territories enforce the act for establishments that fall under the State sphere

Who is responsible for compliance 

• Contractors are responsible for ensuring that wages are paid to migrant workers
• Principal employers are responsible for ensuring that full payment is made to migrant workers if a contractor fails to pay