May 9th, 2018 / 12:53 PM
Image Credits:One India,Indian Express
The President gave his consent to amendments to theMinimum Wages Acton Thursday, proposed by the Delhi Government. The new law sets a fine of Rs 20,000 – Rs 50,000 and a jail term of 1-3 years for employers violating Minimum Wages ( Delhi) Amendments Act 2017.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal made the following tweet after the Act was given president’s consent:
Finally, Central Govt gives its approval after several months. This will act as a strong deterrent against those employers who do not pay full min wages. Del govt will take strong action against such people.https://t.co/LCJRUx85Ey
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal)May 8, 2018
Here is the full background of the law.
Further, theAAP Government last year had hikedminimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and graduated and above category workers to Rs 13,584, Rs 14,958, Rs 16,468 and Rs 17,916 respectively from Rs 9,724, Rs 10,764, Rs 11,830 and Rs 12,870 respectively.
On July 1, 2017, the labour ministry announced the hike in the National Floor Level Minimum Wage from Rs 160 to Rs 176 a day.
A look at minimum wages acrossstatessets the National Capital apart. Andaman and Nicobar have set the minimum wages at Rs 322 for unskilled agricultural scheduled employment which amounts to approximately, Rs 9660 per month. Himachal Pradesh sets a meagre amount of Rs 211 per day for the same, amounting to Rs 6330 per month.
The overall scenario reflects a bleak picture. The move by the Delhi Government is a welcome step for the labour class and should be echoed by other states.
Contributors
Written by : Anirudh Ganeshan (Guest Author)
Edited by : Pooja Chaudhuri