Central Government has announced an increase in minimum wage rates for workers, particularly benefiting those in the unorganized sector, by revising the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA). This revision, effective October 1, 2024, aims to assist workers in managing the rising cost of living. The minimum wage rates, categorized by skill levels (unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled) and geographical areas (A, B, C), will see significant adjustments. For instance, in area A, unskilled workers will now earn Rs 783 per day, while highly skilled workers will receive Rs 1,035 per day. The new rates will also apply to various sectors including construction, agriculture, and loading/unloading operations. The VDA, which is updated semi-annually based on the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers, was last revised in April 2024. Detailed wage information can be found on the Chief Labour Commissioner’s website.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Central Government Increases Minimum Wage Rates for Workers
In a significant move to support workers, particularly those in the unorganized sector, the Central Government has announced an increase in minimum wage rates by revising the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA). This adjustment is aimed at helping workers cope with the rising cost of living.
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 new wage rates will take effect from October 1, 2024. Last revision was done in April 2024.
The minimum wage rates are categorized based on skill levels—unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled—as well as by geographical area—A, B, and C.
After revision, minimum wage rates in area “A” for workers in construction, sweeping, cleaning, loading & unloading for unskilled work will be Rs 783 a day ( Rs 20,358 per month) for semi-skilled Rs 868 a day( Rs 22,568 per month) for skilled, clerical and watch & wards without arms Rs 954 a day( Rs 24,804 per month) and for highly skilled and watch & ward with arms Rs1,035 a day( Rs 26,910 per month)
The Central Government revises the VDA twice a year, effective from April 1 and October 1, based on the six-month average increase in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers.
Detailed information regarding the minimum wage rates by sector, categories and area, is available on the website (clc.gov.in) of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), Government of India.
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File No.1/ 27(1)/ 2024-LS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Labour 8.6 Employment
Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
New Delhi
ORDER
Dated: 25/09/2024
In exercise of the powers conferred by Central Government vide Notification No. S.O. 186(E) dated 19th January, 2017 of the Ministry of Labour and Employment the undersigned hereby revise the rates of Variable Dearness Allowance for the employees employed in Agriculture w.e.f. 01.10.2024 on the basis of the average Consumer Price Index for Industrial workers reaching 402.09 from 399.70 as on 30.06.2024 (Base 2016=100) and thereby resulting in an increase of 2.40 points. The revised Variable Dearness Allowance as under shall be payable from 01.10.2024:-
| Category of worker | Rates of V.D.A. Area wise per day (in Rupees) |
||
| `A’ | IT | ‘C’ | |
| Unskilled | 167 | 154 | 1521 |
| Semi-Skilled/ Unskilled Supervisory | 182 | 167 | 155 |
| Skilled/ Clerical | 198 | 182 | 167 |
| Highly Skilled | 218 | 204 | 182 |
Therefore, the minimum rates of wages including the basic rates and Variable Dearness Allowance payable w.e.f. 01.10.2024 to the employees working in Agriculture shall be as under:-
| Category of worker | Rates of wages including V.D.A. Area wise per day (in Rupees) | ||
| A | B | C | |
| Unskilled | 333+167=500 | 303+154=457 | 300+152=452 |
| Semi- Skilled/ Unskilled Supervisory | 364+182=546 | 335+167=502 | 307+155=462 |
| Skilled/ Clerical | 395+198=593 | 364+182=546 | 334+167=501 |
| Highly Skilled | 438+218=656 | 407+204=611 | 364+182=546 |
The VDA has been rounded off to the next higher rupee as per the decision of the Minimum Wages Advisory Board.
The classification of workers under different categories will be same as in Part-I of the notification, whereas classification of cities will be same as in the Part-II of the notification dated 19th January, 2017. The present classification of cities into areas A, B &, C is enclosed at Annexure I for ready reference.
(Dr. Onkar Sharma)
Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
F.No.1/27(2)/2024-LS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
New Delhi
Dated: 25/09/2024
ORDER
In exercise of the powers conferred by Central Government vide Notification No. S.O. 2413(E) dated 28th July, 2017 of the Ministry of Labour and Employment the undersigned hereby revise the rates of Variable Dearness Allowance on the basis of the average Consumer Price Index for Industrial workers reaching 402.09 from 399.70 as on 30.06.2024 (Base 2016=100) and thereby resulting in an increase of 2.40 points. The revised Variable Dearness Allowance as under shall be payable from 01.10.2024;-
Rates of Variable Dearness Allowance for employees employed in employments in Gypsum Mines, Barytes Mines, Bauxite Mines, Manganese Mines, China Clay Mines, Kyanite Mines, Copper Mines, Clay Mines, Magnesite Mines, White Clay Mines, Stone Mines, Steatite Mines (including the mines producing Soap Stones and Talc), Ochre Mines, Asbestos Mines, Fire Clay Mines, Chromite Mines, Quartzite Mines, Quartz Mines, Silica Mines, Graphite Mines, Felspar Mines, Laterite Mines, Dolomite Mines, Red Oxide Mines, Wolfram Mines Iron Ore Mines, Granite Mines, Rock Phosphate Mines, Hematite Mines, Marble and Calcite Mines, Uranium Mines, Mica Mines, Lignite Mines, Gravel Mines, Slate Mines and Magnetite Mines.
| Category of worker | Rates of V.D.A. (in Rs.) per day | |
| For work above ground | For work below ground | |
| Unskilled | 176 | 218 |
| Semi-Skilled/ Unskilled Supervisory | 218 | 260 |
| Skilled/ Clerical | 260 | 302 |
| Highly Skilled | 302 | 337 |
Therefore the minimum rates of wages showing the basic rates and Variable Dearness Allowance Payable w.e.f. 01.10.2024 will be as under:-
| Category of worker | Rates of wages including V.D.A. (in Rs.) per day | |
| For work above ground | For work below ground | |
| Unskilled | 350+176=526 | 437+218=655 |
| Semi-Skilled/ Unskilled Supervisory | 437+218=655 | 523+260=783 |
| Skilled/ Clerical | 523+260=783 | 610+302=912 |
| Highly Skilled | 610+302=912 | 683+337=1020 |
The VDA has been rounded off to the next higher rupee as per the decision of the Minimum Wages Advisory Board.
The classification of workers under different categories will be same as in Part-I of the notification, whereas classification of cities will be same as in the Part-II of the notification dated 19th January, 2017. The present classification of cities into areas A, B & C is enclosed at Annexure I for ready reference.
(Dr. Onkar Sharma)
Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
F.No.1/27(3)/202q-LS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Labour& Employment
Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
New Delhi
Dated: 25/ 09 / 2024
ORDER
In exercise of the powers conferred by Central Government vide Notification No. S.O. 188(E) dated 19th January, 2017 of the Ministry of Labour and Employment the undersigned hereby revise the rates of Variable Dearness Allowance on the basis of the average Consumer Price Index for Industrial workers reaching 402.09 from 399.70 as on 30.06.2024 (Base 2016=100) and thereby resulting in an increase of 2.40 points. The revised Variable Dearness Allowance as under shall be payable from 01.10.2024;-
The rates of Variable Dearness Allowance for employees employed in CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE OF ROADS OR RUNWAYS OR IN BUILDING OPERATIONS INCLUDING LAYING DOWN UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC, WIRELESS, RADIO, TELEVISION, TELEPHONE,TELEGRAPH AND OVERSEAS COMMUNICATION CABLES AND SIMILAR OTHER UNDERGROUND CABLING WORK, ELECTRIC LINES, WATER SUPPLY LINES AND SEWERAGE PIPE LINES.
| Category of worker | Rates of V.D.A. Area wise per day (in Rupees) | ||
| A | B | C | |
| Unskilled | 260 | 218 | 176 |
| Semi-Skilled/Unskilled | Supervisory 289 | 245 | 204 |
| Skilled/ Clerical | 317 | 289 | 245 |
| Highly Skilled | 342 | 317 | 289 |
Therefore the minimum rates of wages showing the basic rates and Variable Dearness Allowance payable w.e.f. 01.10.2024 will be as under :-
| Category of worker | Rates of wages including V.D.A. per day (in Rupees) |
||
| A Area | B Area | C Area | |
| Unskilled | 523+260=783 | 437+218=655 | 350+176=526 |
| Semi-
Skilled/Unskilled Supervisory |
579+289=868 | 494+245=739 | 410+204=614 |
| Skilled/ Clerical | 637+317=954 | 579+289=868 | 494+245=739 |
| Highly Skilled | 693+342=1035 | 637+317=954 | 579+289=868 |
The VDA has been rounded off to the next higher rupee as per the decision of the Minimum Wages Advisory Board.
The classification of workers under different categories will be same as in Part-I of the notification, whereas classification of cities will be same as in the Part-II of the notification dated 19th January, 2017. The present classification of cities into areas A, B & C is enclosed at Annexure I for ready reference.
(Dr. Onkar Sharma)
Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
F.No.1/ 27(4)/ 2024-LS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Labour& Employment
Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
New Delhi
Dated: 25/09/2024
ORDER
In exercise of the powers conferred by Central Government vide Notification No. S.O. 192(E) dated 19th January, 2017 of the Ministry of Labour and Employment the undersigned hereby revise the rates of Variable Dearness Allowance on the basis of the average Consumer Price Index for Industrial workers reaching 402.09 from 399.70 as on 30.06.2024 (Base 2016=100) and thereby resulting in an increase of 2.40 points. The revised Variable Dearness Allowance as under shall be payable from 01.10.2024;-
Rates of VDA for employees employed in loading and unloading in (i) Goods sheds, Parcel Offices of Railways, (ii) Other Goods-Sheds, Go-downs, Warehouses and other similar employments ; (iii) Docks and Ports; and (iv) Passengers and Goods and Cargo Carried out at Airports (both international and domestic).
Therefore, the minimum rates of wages including the basic rates and Variable Dearness Allowance payable w.e.f. 01.10.2024 to the employees shall be as under:-
| AREA | RATES OF V.D.A. PER DAY (IN RS.) |
| `A’ | 260 |
| `B’ | 218 |
| `C’ | 176 |
Therefore the minimum rates of wages showing the basic rates and variable Dearness Allowance payable w.e.f. 01.10.2024 shall be as under:-
| AREA | RATES OF WAGES PLUS V.D. A. PER DAY
Basic Wages(Rs.) V.D.A. (Rs.) |
Total (Rs.) |
|||
| `A’ | 523 | + | 260 | = | 783 |
| `B’ | 437 | + | 218 | = | 655 |
| `C’ | 350 | + | 176 | = | 526 |
The VDA has been rounded off to the next higher rupee as per the decision of the Minimum Wages Advisory Board.
The classification of workers under different categories will be same as in Part-I of the notification, whereas classification of cities will be same as in the Part-II of the notification dated 19th January, 2017. The present classification of cities into areas A, B & C is enclosed at Annexure I for ready reference.
(Dr. Onkar Sharma)
Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
No.1/27(5)/2024-LS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Labour& Employment
Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
New Delhi
Dated: 25/09/2024
ORDER
In exercise of the powers conferred by Central Government vide Notification No. S.O. 190(E) dated 19th January, 2017 of the Ministry of Labour and Employment the undersigned hereby revise the rates of Variable Dearness Allowance on the basis of the average Consumer Price Index for Industrial workers reaching 402.09 from 399.70 as on 30.06.2024 (Base 2016=100) and thereby resulting in an increase of 2.40 points. The revised Variable Dearness Allowance as under shall be payable from 01.10.2024;-
RATES OF V.D.A.FOR EMPLOYEES EMPLOYED IN “Employment of Sweeping and Cleaning excluding activities prohibited under the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993”.
| AREA | RATES OF V.D.A. PER DAY (in Rs.) |
| A | 260 |
| B | 218 |
| C | 176 |
Therefore, the minimum rates of wages showing the basic rates and Variable Dearness Allowance payable w.e.f 01.10.2024 shall be as under:-
| AREA | RATES OF WAGES PLUS V.D.A PER DAY
Basic Wages (Rs.) V.D.A. (Rs.) |
Total (Rs.) | |||
| A | 523 | + | 260 | = | 783 |
| B | 437 | + | 218 | = | 655 |
| C | 350 | + | 176 | = | 526 |
The VDA has been rounded off to the next higher rupee as per the decision of the Minimum Wages Advisory Board.
The classification of workers under different categories will be same as in Part-I of the notification, whereas classification of cities will be same as in the Part-II of the notification dated 19th January, 2017. The present classification of cities into areas A, B & C is enclosed at Annexure I for ready reference.
(Dr. Onkar Sharma)
Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
File No.1/27(6)/2024-LS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Labour& Employment
Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
New Delhi
Dated: 25/9/2024
ORDER
In exercise of the powers conferred by Central Government vide Notification No. S.O. 191(E) dated 19th January, 2017 of the Ministry of Labour and Employment the undersigned hereby revise the rates of Variable Dearness Allowance on the basis of the average Consumer Price Index for Industrial
workers reaching 402.09 from 399.70 as on 30.06.2024 (Base 2016=100) and thereby resulting in an
increase of 2.40 points. The revised Variable Dearness Allowance as under shall be payable from 01.10.2024;-
I. RATES OF VDA. for employees employed in WATCH & WARD (without arms) shall be as under:-
| AREA | RATES OF V.D.A. PER DAY (in Rs.) |
| A | 317 |
| B | 289 |
| C | 245 |
Therefore, the minimum rates of wages showing the basic rates and Variable Dearness Allowance payable w.e.f 01.10.2024 to employees employed in WATCH AND WARD (without arms) shall be as under:-
| AREA | RATES OF WAGES PLUS V.D.A PER DAY
Basic Wages (Rs.) V.D.A. (Rs.) |
Total (Rs.) | |||
| A | 637 | + | 317 | = | 954 |
| B | 579 | + | 289 | = | 868 |
| C | 494 | + | 245 | = | 739 |
II. RATES OF VDA for employees employed in WATCH AND WARD (with arms) shall be as under:-
| AREA | RATES OF VDA PER DAY (in Rs.) |
| A | 342 |
| B | 317 |
| C | 289 |
Therefore, the minimum rates of wages showing the basic rates and Variable Dearness Allowance payable w.e.f. 01.10.2024 to employees employed in WATCH AND WARD (with arms) shall be as under:-
| AREA | RATES OF WAGES PLUS VDA PER DAY
Basic Wages (Rs.) VDA. (Rs.) |
Total (Rs.) | |||
| A | 693 | + | 342 | = | 1035 |
| B | 637 | + | 317 | = | 954 |
| C | 579 | + | 289 | = | 868 |
The VDA has been rounded off to the next higher rupee as per the decision of the Minimum Wages Advisory Board.
The classification of workers under different categories will be same as in Part-I of the notification, whereas classification of cities will be same as in the Part-II of the notification dated 19th January, 2017. The present classification of cities into areas A, B & C is enclosed at Annexure I for ready reference.
(Dr. Onkar Sharma)
Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
File No.1/27/(7)2024 LS-II
Government of India
Ministry of Labour& Employment
Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
New Delhi
Dated:25/09/2024
ORDER
In exercise of the powers conferred by Central Government vide Notification No. S.O. 189(E) dated 19th January, 2017 of the Ministry of Labour and Employment the undersigned hereby revise the rates of Variable Dearness Allowance on the basis of the average Consumer Price Index for Industrial workers reaching 402.09 from 399.70 as on 30.06.2024 (Base 2016=100) and thereby resulting in an increase of 2.40 points. The revised Variable Dearness Allowance as under shall be payable from 01.10.2024;-
Rates of VDA for employees employed in “STONE MINES” shall be as under:-
| Category | Basic Wages | VDA | Total |
| 1. Excavation & removal of over burden with 50 meters Lead/ 1.5 Meters lift. * | |||
| (i) Soft Soi | Rs.351+ | Rs.179= | Rs. 530 |
| (ii) Soft Soil with rock | Rs.531 + | Rs.264 = | Rs. 795 |
| (iii) | Rs.703 + | Rs.350= | Rs.1053 |
| 2. Removal and stacking of rejected stones with 50 meters lead/ 1.5 meters lift. * | Rs. 28+ | Rs.143 = | Rs.426 |
| 3. Stone Breaking or Stone Crushing for stone size of category ** | |||
| (i) 1.0 inch to 1.5 inche | Rs.2171 + | Rs1061 = | Rs.3232 |
| (ii) Above 1.5 inches | 1857 + | Rs.907 = | Rs.2764 |
| Above 3.0 inches to 5.0 inches | Rs.1O88 + | Rs.535= | Rs.1623 |
| (iv) Above 5.0 inches | Rs.893 | Rs.441= | Rs.1334 |
Therefore, the minimum piece rate wages showing the basic and Variable Dearness Allowance payable w.e.f. 01.10.2024 to the employees employed in Stone Mines shall be as under: –
The workers employed on minimum guaranteed time rate of wages per day shall be entitled to time rate of minimum wages plus special allowance, if any, for unskilled category of above ground workers revised from time to time by the Central Govern ment in respect of scheduled employment in stone mines.
* Per 2.831 cube meters (100 cubic feet)
** Per truck load of 5.662 cubic meters (200 cubic feet)
(Dr. Onkar Sharma)
Chief Labour Commissioner(C)
