Minimum Wages For Unorganised Sector Increased From October 1 As Variable DA Revised

In a significant move aimed at addressing the rising cost of living, the central government has revised the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), resulting in a substantial increase in the minimum wage rates for workers in the unorganised sector. The revised wages will be effective from October 1, 2024, benefiting workers in various sectors.

"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," the Ministry of Labour and Employment announced in a press release dated September 26, 2024.

Wage Categorisation

Minimum wages are determined based on the skill level of workers—unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled—and their geographical area, classified into Areas A, B, and C.

The government typically revises the VDA twice a year, on April 1 and October 1, based on the six-month average increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for industrial workers.

New Minimum Wage Rates (per day, in INR)

Wages for Loading and Unloading Workers (per day, in INR)

Piece Rate Wages for Stone Mine Workers (per day, in INR)

Watch and Ward Workers (per day, in INR)

Sweeping and Cleaning Workers (per day, in INR)

These revised minimum wage rates apply to workers in sweeping and cleaning sectors, excluding activities prohibited under the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993.