The central government has announced an increase in minimum wage rates through a revision of the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), aimed at assisting workers, especially those in the unorganized sector, in coping with the rising cost of living. This new wage structure will take effect on October 1, 2024.
The updated wages will benefit workers across several sectors, including construction, loading and unloading, security services, cleaning, housekeeping, mining, and agriculture, all categorized under central sphere establishments.
Minimum wage rates are organized based on skill levels: unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled, and are further differentiated by geographical regions designated as Areas A, B, and C.
For Area “A,” the revised daily wages will be as follows: unskilled workers in sectors like construction and cleaning will earn Rs 783 per day, amounting to Rs 20,358 per month. Semi-skilled workers will now receive Rs 868 per day, totaling Rs 22,568 per month. Skilled and clerical workers will earn Rs 954 per day, translating to Rs 24,804 monthly. Highly skilled workers, as well as security personnel carrying arms, will receive Rs 1,035 per day, which equals Rs 26,910 per month.
This revision represents the second wage adjustment for 2024, following a previous update in April. The government revises the VDA biannually, in April and October, based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers.
For further information regarding the updated wage rates across various sectors, categories, and regions, please visit the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central) website at clc.gov.in.
