The central government has announced a significant increase in minimum wage rates, following a revision of the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA).
Effective from 1st October 2024, this revision is aimed at providing relief to workers, particularly in the unorganised sector, who are struggling with the rising cost of living.
The updated wages will benefit workers across sectors such as building construction, loading and unloading, watch and ward, sweeping, cleaning, housekeeping, mining, and agriculture.
These sectors fall under the central sphere establishments, which are regulated by the central government.
The new wage structure is divided according to skill levels—unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled—and categorised by geographical regions known as Areas A, B, and C.
In Area A, unskilled workers will now earn Rs 783 per day, translating to Rs 20,358 per month. Semi-skilled workers will receive Rs 868 per day (Rs 22,568 per month), while skilled and clerical workers will see their daily wages rise to Rs 954, amounting to Rs 24,804 per month.
Highly skilled workers and armed watch and ward personnel will earn Rs 1,035 per day, totalling Rs 26,910 per month.
This is the second wage adjustment in 2024, following a similar revision in April. The government revises VDA biannually in April and October, aligning it with changes in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers.
For further details, workers and employers can visit the website of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) at clc.gov.in.
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