Govt hikes minimum wage rates for workers up to Rs 1,035 per day

New Delhi: The Union government increased minimum wage rates for workers up to Rs 1,035 a day by adjusting variable dearness allowance, as announced on Thursday. The labor ministry statement said the change is intended to assist workers in dealing with the increasing expenses of living. Following the review, the minimum wage in region 'A' for unskilled workers in construction, sweeping, cleaning, loading & unloading will be set at Rs 783 per day (which amounts to Rs 20,358 per month).

Semi-skilled workers will receive a daily minimum wage of Rs 868 (equivalent to Rs 22,568 per month), while skilled, clerical, and watch & ward personnel without arms will earn Rs 954 per day (equal to Rs 24,804 per month). Highly skilled and armed watch & ward workers will earn a daily wage of Rs 1,035 (equivalent to Rs 26,910 per month) as the minimum wage rate.

The updated salary levels will be implemented starting on October 1, 2024. The most recent update took place in April of 2024. Minimum wage rates are classified according to skill levels (unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, highly skilled) and geographical areas (A, B, C). The Central Government has announced a raise in minimum wage rates by adjusting the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) to show support for workers, especially those in the unorganized sector, according to a statement from the labour ministry.

Employees working in different industries such as building construction, loading and unloading, security, sweeping, upkeep, mining, and farming in central sector establishments will see an increase in their wages. The VDA is adjusted by the Central Government every six months starting from April 1 and October 1, depending on the average increase in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers over the previous six months. You can find detailed information on minimum wage rates for different sectors, categories, and areas on the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central)'s website (clc.gov.in)