Minimum wage hike: The central government announced a marginal increase in minimum wages for workers in the informal sectors, including construction, mining, and agriculture, effective from October 1. The hike comes as part of an adjustment in the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) aimed at mitigating the impact of rising living costs, according to an official statement. The move follows a 2.40-point rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for industrial workers.
After the adjustment, unskilled workers in the highest wage band will receive a daily minimum wage of Rs 783 ($9.36), semi-skilled workers Rs 868, and highly skilled workers Rs 1,035.
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.
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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.
Delhi Govt Hikes Minimum Wages For Workers In Unorganised Sector
On Wednesday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced new minimum wage rates ahead of the upcoming festive season: Rs 18,066 for unskilled workers, Rs 19,929 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 21,917 for skilled workers in the unorganised sector.
In her first press conference since assuming office as Delhi CM, Atishi highlighted that the AAP government, under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, had set the "highest" minimum wages for labourers in the country.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, the revised minimum wage rates will come into effect from October 1. The statement also mentioned other updated wage rates: Rs 21,917 for matriculate workers and Rs 23,836 for graduate workers.
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