The government has raised minimum wages for workers employed in informal sectors including construction, mining and agriculture, from October 1, the labour ministry said in a statement. It added that the revision in variable dearness allowance (VDA) has been done to help workers cope with the rising cost of living.
“This adjustment is aimed at helping workers cope with the rising cost of living,” the statement said, referring to the 2.40-point rise in consumer price index (CPI) for industrial workers.
After the hike, the unskilled workers in the upper-most band can expect a daily minimum wage of Rs 783 (Rs 20,358 per month), semi-skilled workers a rate of Rs 868 (Rs 22,568 per month), and highly skilled workers Rs 1,035 (Rs 26,910 per month).
The wages are revised twice a year (effective from April 1 and October 1) according to inflation, based on the six-month average rise in CPI for industrial workers.
Earlier this week, thousands of workers held protests across the country, seeking an increase in wages and demanding the repeal of four labour codes which they say favour multinational corporations.
