Central Government Increases Minimum Wages For Workers: New Rates For Key Sectors From 1 October

In a bid to ease the financial burden on workers, particularly in the unorganised sector, the Central government has revised the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), resulting in an increase in minimum wage rates.

The new wage rates are set to take effect from 1 October 2024.

The wage hike will benefit workers in diverse sectors such as building construction, loading an unloading, watch and ward, sweeping, cleaning, housekeeping, mining, agriculture, and others, all of which fall under the central sphere establishments.

The minimum wages are classified based on skill levels - unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled - and are further divided by geographical regions categorised as areas A, B, and C.

Under the new revision for Area "A," the unskilled workers, including those in construction and cleaning, will earn Rs 783 per day, amounting to Rs 20,358 per month.

Semi-skilled workers will now be paid Rs 868 per day, equating to Rs 22,568 per month, while skilled workers and clerks will see wages of Rs 954 per day or Rs 24,804 per month.

Highly skilled workers, as well as armed watch and ward staff, will receive Rs 1,035 per day, amounting to Rs 26,910 per month.

This revision marks the second wage revision for 2024, following the previous update in April, India Today reported.

The government revises the VDA biannually, in April and October, based on fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers.

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