The Delhi Government is set to increase the minimum wages of unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled labourers. Promising that the hike in the salaries will be made by August 15 (70th Independence Day celebrations), labour Minister Gopal Rai said the advisory committee to decide wages —set up in April — has already held its final meeting on Thursday and will submit its report by next week.
Currently, Delhi has the highest level of minimum wages among other neighbouring States with minimum wages for unskilled labour at `9,568 per month, for semi-skilled labour at `10,582 per month and skilled labour at `11,622 per month. With the latest decision by the Government, the wages will rise even further.
Rai said the Delhi Government has taken this decision after reviewing the average cost incurred per family on food, accommodation, electricity, clothing and education.
“This is also in keeping with the electoral promise and now the AAP-led Delhi Government is ready to implement it in order to improve the quality of life of labourers,” he said.
The Government had constituted a high level 13 member tripartite body under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 on April 12 this year to hold consultations on the minimum wages. The committee headed by Secretary-cum-Commissioner (labour) comprised of representatives of employees, employers and the government.
The committee further constituted two sub-committee teams i.e. Team-A & Team-B which undertook a survey and collected prices of essential food items from various worker populated areas i.e. Mangol Puri, Naraina, Narela, Okhla, Jhilmil Colony, and Wazirpur. Prices of food items were also obtained from Kendriya Bhandar, Mother Dairy and Safal outlets to examine and calculate the proposed increase in minimum wages.
Once enhanced rates of minimum wages are notified after following the proper procedure, the same will be followed by notification of D.A. in the month of October.