Increase in Base Rate is also under consideration: Labour Minister
Chandigarh, March 21:
A proposal to increase the minimum wages in Punjab is under consideration of the Labour Department. This information was provided by Punjab’s Labour Minister, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, while responding to a question during the Punjab Vidhan Sabha session today.
Responding to a question by MLA Kulwant Singh regarding whether there is any proposal under consideration of the government to increase the minimum wages in Punjab in view of the continuously rising inflation, Tarunpreet Singh Sond confirmed that such a proposal is indeed under consideration.
He explained that minimum wages are increased in two ways. One way is that the adjustment of minimum wages is done twice a year from March 1 and September 1, according to the increase/ decrease in the Consumer Price Index. Accordingly, the last increment/revision was on 1.9.2024 and the next increment/revision will be from 1.3.2025, which will be done in a few days, the Minister added.
He further said that another way is to increase the base rate of minimum wages. He expressed optimism that this increase would take place within this year, making 2025 the new base year for minimum wages. He further highlighted that the last revision of the base rate was carried out in 2012, and now, with 2025 as the future base year, the minimum wages will be revised accordingly.
Providing further details, Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond informed that the Punjab Labour Department had adjusted minimum wages for workers/employees (Cadre wise) working in industries/factories in the state of Punjab from from September 1, 2024, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) received from the Government of India.
As per the revised wages, unskilled worker’s wages fixed Rs. 10,996 per month, Semi-skilled workers Rs. 11,776 per month, skilled workers Rs. 12,673 per month, Highly skilled workers Rs. 13,705 per month, Staff Category-A Rs. 16,166 per month, Staff Category-B: Rs. 14,496 per month, Staff Category-C: Rs. 12,996 per month and Staff Category-D Rs. 11,796 per month
