In big push, Centre increases minimum wage for workers

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday, in a significant decision to support workers, increased the minimum wage rates through the revision of the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA).
The revised wage rates will benefit workers engaged in various sectors within central sphere establishments, including building construction, loading and unloading, watch and ward, sweeping, cleaning, housekeeping, mining, and agriculture.
Minimum wage rates are categorised based on skill levels (unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled) and geographical areas (A, B, and C). After the 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 ministry of Labour and Employment announced this decision to help workers cope with the rising cost of living. The new wage rates will come into effect on October 1, 2024, following the last revision in April 2024.
The VDA is revised by the central government 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.