The Payment of Gratuity Act of 1972 provides social security to employees in India by requiring employers to pay gratuity payments to their employees after they complete at least 5 years of continuous service. The act applies to factories, mines, oilfields, plantations, ports, and shops with more than 10 employees. It entitles employees who have worked for at least 5 years to receive gratuity payments equal to 15 days' wages for each completed year of service. The maximum gratuity payable is Rs. 10 lakh. Employers must make these payments within 30 days of when gratuity becomes due.