The Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department of Tamil Nadu issued notification on 31st January, 2024, regarding the revision of minimum rates of wages for employment in Hosiery Manufactory and Knitwear Manufactory under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
The notification outlines the proposed minimum rates of basic wages per month for various classes of employees in these manufacturing sectors. It also stipulates that in addition to the minimum rates of basic wages, employees shall be paid dearness allowance based on the Average Chennai City Consumer Price Index Number.
The notification further emphasizes that where the nature of work is the same, no distinction in the payment of wages shall be made between men and women employees. Additionally, it states that wherever the existing wages are higher than the minimum wages fixed, the same shall be continued to be paid.
It highlights the methodology for calculating dearness allowance linked to the Average Chennai City Consumer Price Index Number and emphasizes pay equality between male and female employees for the same nature of work. Dearness allowance for the employees is calculated based on the Average Chennai City Consumer Price Index Number for the year 2010, which is 161 points (with the base year 2001 = 100). For every rise of one point over and above 161 points, an increase of Rs. 28 per month shall be paid as dearness allowance. The dearness allowance is calculated on the first of April of every year based on the average of the indices for the preceding twelve months, from January to December. The first calculation shall be effective from the date of publication of the notification in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, based on the average of Chennai City Consumer Price Index Number for the previous year.
The draft notification invites objections or suggestions from the public, which can be addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department.
