Minimum wage in the unorganized sector increased to Rs 783

NEW DELHI: The central government has raised minimum wage rates for unorganized sector workers, providing much-needed financial relief by revising the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA). This adjustment is aimed at helping workers cope with the rising cost of living, the Ministry of Labour and Employment said in a release on Thursday.

After revision, minimum wage rates in area "A" for workers in construction, sweeping, cleaning, loading and unloading for unskilled work will be Rs 783 a day ( Rs 20,358 per month) for semi-skilled workers and Rs 868 a day (Rs 22,568 per month) for skilled, clerical and watch and wards without arms, Rs 954 a day ( Rs 24,804 per month) and for highly skilled and watch and wards with arms, Rs 1,035 a day (Rs 26,910 per month).

The new wage rates will take effect on October 1, 2024. The last revision was done in April 2024. Workers engaged in various sectors, including building construction, loading and unloading, watch and ward, sweeping, cleaning, housekeeping, mining, and agriculture within central sphere establishments, will benefit from the revised wage rates.