New Delhi: The Central Government on Thursday announced a raise in minimum wages for agricultural and industrial workers. The development came ahead of the festive season. The Centre increased in minimum wage rates by revising the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA). The step was taken in view of the increasing cost of living.
"Workers engaged in various sectors, including building construction, loading and unloading, watch and ward, sweeping, cleaning, housekeeping, mining, and agriculture within central sphere establishments, will benefit from the revised wage rates. The new wage rates will take effect from October 1, 2024. Last revision was done in April 2024," the Ministry of Labour and Employment said in a statement.
"Workers engaged in various sectors, including building construction, loading and unloading, watch and ward, sweeping, cleaning, housekeeping, mining, and agriculture within central sphere establishments, will benefit from the revised wage rates. The new wage rates will take effect from October 1, 2024. Last revision was done in April 2024," the ministry added.
The minimum wage rates are categorized based on skill levels—unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled and as well as by geographical area—A, B, and C.
Revised wage rates:
After revision, minimum wage rates in the area “A” for workers in construction, sweeping, cleaning, loading & unloading for unskilled work will be Rs 783 a day ( Rs 20,358 per month, for semi-skilled Rs 868 a day( Rs 22,568 per month) for skilled, clerical and watch & wards without arms Rs 954 a day( Rs 24,804 per month) and for highly skilled and watch & ward with arms Rs1,035 a day( Rs 26,910 per month).
The Centre revises the VDA 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.