Minimum Wages Hike: The government on Thursday announced an increase in minimum wage rates for workers, raising them up to Rs 1,035 a day. This change is meant to help workers manage the rising cost of living, according to a statement from the labor ministry. These new rates will come into effect from October 1, 2024. The last hike was in April 2024.

Generally, wages vary by skill level—unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled—and by geographical areas, which are classified as A, B, and C.

After the adjustment, the minimum wages as per skill category are as follows:

  • Unskilled workers (sweeping, cleaning, loading & unloading): Rs 783 per day (Rs 20,358 per month)
  • Semi-skilled workers: Rs 868 per day (Rs 22,568 per month)
  • Skilled workers (including clerical and security without arms): Rs 954 per day (Rs 24,804 per month)
  • Highly skilled workers and security with arms: Rs 1,035 per day (Rs 26,910 per month)
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This hike in wages supports workers, especially in the unorganized sector, including those in construction, loading and unloading, cleaning, mining, and agriculture.

The Central Government updates the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) two times a year, on April 1 and October 1. This adjustment is based on the average increase in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers over the previous six months.

For more detailed information about minimum wage rates by sector and area, you can visit the Chief Labour Commissioner’s website at clc.gov.in.