White-Collar Crime refers to non-violent crimes Committed by individuals, businesses, or professionals for financial gain, usually through deception, fraud, or abuse of trust. The term was first introduced by Edwin H. Sutherland in 1939. He defined White Collar- Crime as crimes committed by a person of respectability and high social status during the course of their occupation. The building Construction sector plays a vital role in the economic development of a Country by generating employment, developing infrastructure and contributing significantly to national income. However, the sector is also characterized by widespread labour exploitation in the form of non-payment and under payment of wages to Construction workers. This study examines the issue of wage exploitation and explores the legal framework governing wage protection in India. The study ultimately seeks to suggest legal and policy reforms to strengthen enforcement mechanisms, improve worker protection, and ensure fair wage practices in the construction sector.
Keywords: White Collar- Crime, Non-violent crime, Economic development, National income, Labour exploitation, Wage protection, Policy reforms, Enforcement mechanisms, Construction sector etc.
