Central Government Increases Minimum Wage Rates for Unorganised Sector Workers

The central government has announced an increase in minimum wage rates by revising the Variable Dearness Allowance, effective from October 1, 2024. This change aims to help workers, especially in the unorganised sector, manage the rising cost of living. The last revision was in April 2024.

In a decisive move to support workers, particularly those in the unorganised sector, the central government has announced an upward revision of minimum wage rates through the adjustment of the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA). This initiative aims to assist workers in coping with the escalating cost of living, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Thursday.

The revised wage rates will benefit workers in various sectors, including building construction, loading and unloading, watch and ward, sweeping, cleaning, housekeeping, mining, and agriculture within establishments in the central sphere. The new rates will take effect from October 1, 2024, with the previous revision occurring in April 2024. The minimum wages are categorized based on skill levels—unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled—and geographical areas—A, B, and C.

Post revision, minimum wage rates in Area "A" for unskilled workers in construction, sweeping, cleaning, loading, and unloading will be Rs 783 a day (Rs 20,358 per month). Semi-skilled workers will earn Rs 868 a day (Rs 22,568 per month), skilled clerical and watch and ward without arms workers will receive Rs 954 a day (Rs 24,804 per month), and highly skilled workers, along with watch and ward with arms, will earn Rs 1,035 a day (Rs 26,910 per month). The central government adjusts the VDA twice a year, effective on April 1 and October 1, based on the six-month average increase in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers.

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

(With inputs from agencies.)