Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has unveiled a new minimum wage structure for workers in the unorganised sector, setting rates at Rs 18,066 for unskilled workers, Rs 19,929 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 21,917 for skilled workers.
In her first press conference since taking office, Atishi highlighted that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, has implemented the highest minimum wages in the country.
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Atishi took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), labelling it as “anti-poor” and claiming that minimum wages in BJP-ruled states are “perhaps half” of what is paid in Delhi. She stressed that the Kejriwal government not only fought to secure these wages through the courts but also ensured bi-annual revisions, despite what she described as obstruction from the BJP.
Taking office on Monday, Atishi symbolically left an empty chair beside hers, representing AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal. She expressed confidence that Kejriwal would be re-elected by the people of Delhi in the upcoming February elections.
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Atishi became the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi after Kejriwal’s resignation, which allowed her to take charge following his bail in the Delhi excise policy case. Both BJP and Congress criticised her appointment, calling it unconstitutional and regressive. Atishi likened her temporary role to Bharat from the Ramayana, symbolically placing Lord Ram’s sandals on the throne during his exile.
Sworn in on Saturday and officially taking office on Monday, Atishi’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for the AAP government in Delhi.