Minimum wages hiked for workers by revising variable dearness allowance with effect from next week

Amid a rise in cost of living, the Union government on Thursday announced a hike in minimum wage rates for workers up to Rs 1,035 a day by revising variable dearness allowance. This adjustment is aimed at helping workers cope with the rising cost of living, a labour ministry statement said.

"This adjustment is aimed at helping workers cope with the rising cost of living," the statement said, referring to the 2.40-point rise in consumer price index (CPI) for industrial workers.

New Minimum Wage

After revision, minimum wage rates in area "A" for workers in construction, sweeping, cleaning, loading and unloading for unskilled work will be Rs 783 a day ( Rs 20,358 per month) for semi-skilled workers and Rs 868 a day (Rs 22,568 per month) for skilled, clerical and watch and wards without arms, Rs 954 a day ( Rs 24,804 per month) and for highly skilled and watch and wards with arms, Rs 1,035 a day (Rs 26,910 per month).


The wages are revised twice a year according to inflation, based on the six-month average rise in CPI for industrial workers.

Protests demanding hike in minimum wage

Earlier this week, thousands of workers held protests across the country, seeking an increase in wages and demanding the repeal of four labour codes which they say favour multinational corporations.

The Central Government revises the VDA twice a year, effective from April 1 and October 1, based on the six-month average increase in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers.

Detailed information regarding the minimum wage rates by sector, categories and area, is available on the website (clc.gov.in) of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Government of India.