The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data for June 2017-July 2018 and October-December 2018 released recently, has brought to light some startling facts. The data had information on many aspects of Indian employment scenario. But only the unemployment figures, 8.9 per cent overall and the highest since 1972, made headlines.

But are those employed being paid enough? Not according to the data. The figures highlight an abysmal wage scenario across India.

‘45% Workforce Earns Less Than Rs 10,000’

According to a report published in Live Mint, the PLFS data reveals that most of the salaried jobs, which are always in high demand, don’t even pay Rs 10,000 per month. In 2017-18, around 45 per cent of regular workers earned less than Rs 10,000 per month, and about 12 per cent earned less than Rs 5,000 per month. 

What’s more shocking is the fact that out of the 45 per cent regular workers, 65 per cent are women. 

The seventh pay commission had prescribed a minimum wage of Rs 18000 for the regular workers. However, salaries of 72 per cent of the people were below the pay commission prescribed limit. Only 3 per cent earned between Rs 50000 and Rs 1 Lakh per month, and 0.2 per cent earned above Rs 1 Lakh per month.

Median Income Of The Workers

The median income is the amount that divides the income distribution into high-income groups.

The median income for 15 per cent of the worker engaged in elementary occupations such as building caretakers, garbage collectors and manual workers is just one fourth when compared to the income of the high paid senior officials and executives. The lowest and highest earnings for the elementary workers were Rs 7000 and Rs 8000 respectively.

Absence Of Job Contracts

Around 71 per cent of the regular workers were in the agricultural sector did not have a written job contract in 2017-18. The absence of job contracts also means no paid leaves for these workers.

The data has made the wage disparity scenario in India quite clear. A larger chunk of the population is earning a significantly high while 70 per cent of the workforce remains under poor conditions without any provision to voice their opinion against those conditions.

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