Centre hikes minimum wage rates, effective From October 1

The central government has announced an increase in minimum wage rates by revising the Variable Dearness Allowance. The new wage rates will take effect from 1st October. The minimum wage rates are categorized based on skill levels-unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled, as well as by geographical areas A, B, and C. After the revision, minimum wage rates for workers in area ‘A’ in construction, sweeping, cleaning, and loading & unloading for unskilled work will be 783 rupees a day. For semi-skilled workers, the minimum wage will be 868 rupees a day, and for skilled, clerical, and watch & ward (without arms), the minimum wage will be 954 rupees a day. For highly skilled workers and watch & ward (with arms), the revised wage will be 1,035 rupees a day.The move follows a 2.40-point rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for industrial workers.
The Centre revises wages twice a year — in April and October — based on inflation trends and the six-month average rise in the CPI for industrial workers.The announcement comes amid a backdrop of widespread protests held earlier this week, where thousands of workers demanded wage hikes and called for the repeal of four labour codes. Protesters argue that these codes disproportionately favour multinational corporations.