Vibhut Small Finance Ltd. is a registered NBFC under regulations issued by RBI. The Company was formed in 2010. As on date, market cap of the Company is ₹15,434.56 Crore with total customer base of 34,549 in 173 branches

Vibhut Small Finance Ltd. is a registered NBFC under regulations issued by RBI. The Company was formed in 2010. As on date, market cap of the Company is ₹15,434.56 Crore with total customer base of 34,549 in 173 branches all over in India. The total employee's strength is 3,983 with 76: 24 male and female ratio. Being one of the largest private sector NBFC, the Company offers various benefits to employees as well as welfare services. There are various Internal Committees to investigate the matters related complaints under POSH Act. During the period from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025, total complaints received was 305, out of which 226 was disposed of within 3 months. It was observed that the Internal Committee prima-facia looked into the matter and based on the gravity of the matter, the employees were terminated immediately, where found guilty, as per recommendation of the Internal Committee. No departmental proceedings were conducted. In one case, the Branch Manager denied leave to a woman who had adopted a 2-month-old child. The contention of the Management was that as there is no birth, hence maternity benefits can't be given. In certain cases, it was also observed that if the child dies during the maternity leave, prior to the delivery period, leave for the rest of the period were being cancelled as per internal policy. Mrs. Lata, who was the cashier in a rural area branch, had met with an accident due to slippage. In absence of First-Aid Box, there was huge loss of blood and she couldn't survive. The view of the Management was that as there are only 22 employees in the Branch, which is less than 150, hence there is no need to maintain a First-Aid Box. Through outsourcing agency, the Company hires security personnel. The number of guards depends upon the size of the Branch. It was noticed that in a few branches, the drinking water facility was not available. The view of the Management was that such facilities are to be provided by the contractor, and not by the Company. The matters in Vibhut Small Finance Ltd., therefore highlights the importance of strict adherence to labour laws in protecting the rights of workers, maintaining industrial harmony, and ensuring that businesses remain compliant with statutory obligations. It also shows that expansion and profit-making, while important for business growth, cannot come at the cost of ignoring legal responsibilities owed to employees. In view of the above-mentioned facts, answer the following by mentioning the legal provisions of applicable laws : Is Vibhut Small Finance Ltd. liable to provide the facility of drinking water to its contract labour ?