n March 3, 2025, the Government of Kerala announced a revision of the minimum wages for workers employed in the Cane and Bamboo Industry sector. This revision is made under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and supersedes the previous notification G.O. (P) No. 134/2016/LBR dated August 6, 2016.
The government has invited public objections and suggestions regarding the proposed revisions, which will be considered after two months from the publication date in the Official Gazette.
Key Highlights of the Minimum Wages Revision:
1. Categories of Workers and Revised Wages
| Category | Work Type | Rate of Wages (₹) | Workload |
| Reed/Bamboo Workers | Piece Rate | ||
| Reed Cutting Workers | ₹95 per bundle | 5 bundles per day | |
| Mat Weaving | |||
| Face mat | ₹9 per square foot | 45 square feet | |
| Core mat | ₹7 per square foot | 55 square feet | |
| Commercial mat | ₹5 per square foot | 90 square feet | |
| Daily Wage Rates | |||
| Skilled Workers (e.g., Machine Operator, Carpenter, Painter, Polisher, Treatment Worker, Weaver) | ₹940 per day | ||
| Unskilled Workers (e.g., Assistant/Helper, General Worker) | ₹700 per day | ||
| Cane Workers (except furniture manufacturing) | Skilled Workers | ||
| Frame Worker, Polisher | ₹940 per day | ||
| Other Skilled Workers | ₹940 per day | ||
| Unskilled Workers | |||
| Cane Preparation & Preliminary Works | ₹800 per day | ||
| Helper | ₹700 per day | ||
| Cleaner | ₹670 per day |
2. Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Eligibility: Both piece rate and daily rated workers are eligible for Variable Dearness Allowance (DA).
- Rate: ₹2.30 per day for each point above 165 points in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) published for the District Headquarters.
- Conditions for DA:
- Piece-rated workers must complete the prescribed workload.
- Maximum DA: Workers can earn up to six days of DA per week based on their completed work.
3. Additional Provisions
- Workers Receiving Higher Wages:
- Workers already receiving higher wages than the newly proposed minimum rates are entitled to continue receiving the higher wages.
- Monthly Wage Calculation for Daily Rated Workers:
- For daily-rated workers, the monthly wage is calculated by multiplying the daily wage rate by 26.
Objections and Suggestions
- Deadline: The government has provided a period for public objections and suggestions regarding the proposed revision.
- Submission Deadline: All objections and suggestions must be submitted by May 3, 2025.
- Where to Submit: Address them to the Secretary to Government, Labour and Skills (E) Department, Government Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 001.
Conclusion
The revision of the minimum wages for workers in the Cane and Bamboo Industry in Kerala aims to improve the working conditions and ensure fair pay for both skilled and unskilled workers. The inclusion of a Dearness Allowance ensures that workers can cope with rising costs, making this a significant step towards the betterment of labor standards in the state.
