Delhi increases minimum wage for daily wagers

The Delhi government increased the dearness allowance for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and other workers in all scheduled employments on Friday, thus increasing the overall amount of the minimum wage.

In a statement, the city government said the order shall be applicable from April 1.

"These steps have been taken in the interest of the poor and working class, who have suffered disproportionately due to the current (Covid-19) pandemic. This order shall also benefit those in clerical and supervisory jobs," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said.

He added that those in the unorganised sector, who are employed on minimum wages, should not be deprived of the dearness allowance.

Under the dearness allowance, the monthly wages for unskilled labourers have been increased from Rs 15,492 to Rs 15,908.

For semi-skilled labourers, the monthly wages have been enhanced from Rs 17,069 to Rs 17,537. For skilled labourers, the wages have been increased from Rs 18,797 to Rs 19,291 a month.

"Additionally, the minimum wage rates for the supervisor and the clerical cadre of employees have also been increased. The monthly wages for non-matriculate employees have been increased from Rs 17,069 to Rs 17,537 and for matriculate employees, from Rs 18,797 to Rs 19,291," Sisodia said.

For graduates and those with higher educational qualifications, the monthly wages have been increased from Rs 20,430 to Rs 20,976.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader claimed that the minimum wages in Delhi are the highest in comparison to any other state.

"Every section of the society has been adversely affected due to the pandemic. Adding to the woes of the masses is the soaring prices of daily essentials such as oil and pulses. I hope that this increase in wages will provide some relief to our labour brethren," he said.