Chandigarh, March 21: In a significant update for workers across Punjab, Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond confirmed that a proposal to increase the state’s minimum wages is currently under consideration by the Labour Department. This move comes in response to the continuously rising inflation and the growing need for wage revisions that better reflect the cost of living.
Proposal for Wage Increase in Response to Inflation
The statement was made during the ongoing Punjab Vidhan Sabha session when Minister Sond responded to a query raised by MLA Kulwant Singh about whether the state government was considering an increase in minimum wages in light of the rising inflationary pressures. Minister Sond affirmed that the proposal is indeed under active review and that the government is working towards making appropriate adjustments to ensure workers’ wages keep pace with inflation.
The Process for Minimum Wage Adjustments
According to Minister Sond, the current system for adjusting minimum wages follows two key methods. The first method involves adjusting wages twice a year, specifically on March 1 and September 1. These adjustments are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks inflation and cost-of-living increases. The most recent wage revision took place on September 1, 2024, with the next round of adjustments scheduled for March 1, 2025.
Under this system, the government makes sure that the minimum wages for workers across various sectors keep up with the inflation rate, ensuring that workers’ purchasing power is not eroded by rising costs.
Base Rate Revision for Minimum Wages
In addition to periodic CPI-based adjustments, the Punjab government is also considering an increase in the base rate of minimum wages, which has not been revised since 2012. Minister Sond revealed that the last time the base rate of wages was adjusted was more than a decade ago, making it an important area of focus for the government.
By setting 2025 as the target for the next base rate revision, the Punjab government is hoping to make significant strides in aligning worker wages with current economic realities. Once implemented, the new base rate will set the standard for minimum wages in the state for years to come.
Revised Minimum Wages for Workers in Punjab
For the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Labour Department has already adjusted the wages of workers based on the latest CPI data received from the Government of India. These adjustments cover workers in various categories, including unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled labor, as well as staff in various job categories across industries and factories.
Below is the breakdown of the revised minimum wages for different categories of workers in Punjab:
- Unskilled Workers: ₹10,996 per month
- Semi-skilled Workers: ₹11,776 per month
- Skilled Workers: ₹12,673 per month
- Highly Skilled Workers: ₹13,705 per month
- Staff Category A: ₹16,166 per month
- Staff Category B: ₹14,496 per month
- Staff Category C: ₹12,996 per month
- Staff Category D: ₹11,796 per month
These revisions reflect the ongoing efforts of the Punjab government to improve the standard of living for workers, particularly in the face of rising inflation. The new wages will help address some of the challenges faced by workers in meeting their basic needs.
Expected Impact of the Wage Increase
The proposal to increase minimum wages and revise the base rate is expected to provide a much-needed financial boost to workers across Punjab. As the cost of living continues to rise due to inflation, these adjustments are seen as essential for improving the quality of life for the state’s workforce.
While the Labour Minister did not provide a specific timeline for the final approval of the base rate revision, he expressed optimism that this change would be implemented within 2025, marking a significant milestone in Punjab’s labor policy.
Addressing Workers’ Concerns
The Labour Minister’s statement comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure that workers are fairly compensated for their labor. With many workers in Punjab struggling to keep up with the rising costs of goods and services, the proposal to increase minimum wages is expected to be welcomed by labor unions and workers’ rights groups across the state.
By aligning wages more closely with inflation and considering the long-overdue base rate revision, the Punjab government aims to provide more financial security to its working population. This will not only benefit workers but also contribute to the overall economic stability of the region by ensuring that workers have the purchasing power to participate fully in the local economy.
Conclusion
The proposal to increase minimum wages in Punjab is a crucial step in addressing the financial challenges faced by the state’s working population. With the rising cost of living, the government’s commitment to revising both the Consumer Price Index-based adjustments and the base rate for wages is expected to bring long-term relief to workers.
As discussions continue, workers and employers alike will be watching closely for updates, with many hoping that the wage revisions will be implemented as soon as possible to help mitigate the ongoing impact of inflation on everyday life.