The central government has announced a revision in minimum wage rates by adjusting the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA). This increase is aimed at helping workers, particularly in the unorganised sector, manage the rising cost of living, according to a release from the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Thursday.

The new rates will benefit workers in several sectors, including building construction, loading and unloading, watch and ward, sweeping, cleaning, housekeeping, mining, and agriculture, within central sphere establishments. These revised wages will come into effect on October 1, 2024, following the last update in April 2024.

Minimum wage rates are structured according to workers’ skill levels—unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled—as well as the geographical classification of areas into A, B, and C. After the revision, unskilled workers in construction, sweeping, cleaning, and loading and unloading in area “A” will receive Rs 783 per day (Rs 20,358 per month), while semi-skilled workers will earn Rs 868 per day (Rs 22,568 per month). Skilled and clerical workers, along with watch and ward staff without arms, will be paid Rs 954 per day (Rs 24,804 per month), and highly skilled workers, including watch and ward staff with arms, will receive Rs 1,035 per day (Rs 26,910 per month).

The central government 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. Detailed information on the minimum wage rates across sectors, categories, and regions can be found on the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) website (clc.gov.in).

(ANI)