In a significant move, the Government of Meghalaya on December 3rd 2024 has revised the minimum wage rates for a variety of sectors, effective from October 1, 2024. The revised rates include the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), and the new wage rates will be applicable to workers across several industries and employment categories.
The new rates were announced in a notification issued by the Department of Labour, Employment & Skill Development. The revisions will benefit workers in various fields, ranging from agriculture and construction to the hospitality and textile industries.
Key Highlights of the Revised Minimum Wage Rates:
- Unskilled workers will now receive a wage of Rs. 419 per day, which includes the revised VDA.
- Semi-skilled workers will receive Rs. 474.
- Skilled workers will earn Rs. 530.
- Highly-skilled workers will now be paid Rs. 586 per day.
Detailed Breakdown of Revised Wages:
| S.No. | Category | Minimum Wage + Revised VDA (w.e.f. 1st Oct 2024) |
| 1 | Unskilled | Rs. 300 + Rs. 119 = Rs. 419 |
| 2 | Semi-skilled | Rs. 340 + Rs. 134 = Rs. 474 |
| 3 | Skilled | Rs. 380 + Rs. 150 = Rs. 530 |
| 4 | Highly-skilled | Rs. 420 + Rs. 166 = Rs. 586 |
Explanation of Employment Categories:
- Unskilled: Tasks that require little to no skill or experience.
- Semi-skilled: Work that involves some degree of skill, typically learned through on-the-job experience.
- Skilled: Tasks requiring significant expertise, often gained through training or apprenticeship.
- Highly-skilled: Expert-level work demanding a high level of proficiency and judgment.
Additional Provisions:
- The new wage rates also include the wages for the weekly day of rest.
- Overtime work will be compensated at double the standard rate.
- The rates will be reviewed every 6 months, based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), to ensure wages are adjusted for inflation.
Effective Date : This update supersedes the previous notification (No. LE&SD.9/2023/17) dated June 25, 2024, making the new rates effective from October 1, 2024.
