On April 28, 2025, the Government of Madhya Pradesh issued an important notification regarding the revision of Minimum Wage Rates and Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) for workers across the state. These revisions will come into effect from April 1, 2025, and will be applicable for the period from April 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
Key Changes and Updates:
The revised Minimum Wage Rates and Variable Dearness Allowance has resulted in a revision of the wages for skilled, semi-skilled, unskilled, and highly skilled workers in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and government services.
Breakdown of Revised Wage Rates:
General Employment (Including Unskilled, Semi-Skilled, Skilled, and Highly Skilled Workers)
| Class of Worker | Minimum Wage (per Month) | Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) | Total Monthly Wage | Daily Wage |
| Unskilled | ₹9,575 | ₹2,550 | ₹12,125 | ₹466.35 |
| Semi-Skilled | ₹10,571 | ₹2,550 | ₹13,121 | ₹504.66 |
| Skilled | ₹12,294 | ₹2,550 | ₹14,844 | ₹570.93 |
| Highly Skilled | ₹13,919 | ₹2,550 | ₹16,469 | ₹633.43 |
Slate Pencil Manufacturing (Wage Rates for Various Workers)
| Class of Worker | Minimum Wage (per Month) | Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) | Total Monthly Wage | Daily Wage |
| Laborer | ₹9,575 | ₹2,550 | ₹12,125 | ₹466.35 |
| Pecker, Strip Pecker | ₹10,131 | ₹2,550 | ₹12,681 | ₹487.73 |
| Accountant, Clerk | ₹12,294 | ₹2,550 | ₹14,844 | ₹570.93 |
| Rollers, Masons, Painters | ₹13,653 | ₹2,550 | ₹16,203 | ₹623.20 |
Printing Press Workers
| Class of Worker | Minimum Wage (per Month) | Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) | Total Monthly Wage | Daily Wage |
| Unskilled | ₹9,575 | ₹2,550 | ₹12,125 | ₹466.35 |
| Category 1 | ₹12,294 | ₹2,550 | ₹14,844 | ₹570.93 |
| Category 2 | ₹10,571 | ₹2,550 | ₹13,121 | ₹504.66 |
| Highly Efficient | ₹13,919 | ₹2,550 | ₹16,469 | ₹633.43 |
Agricultural Planning
For agricultural workers, the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) from July to December 2024 showed an increase of 43 average points. This led to an increase of ₹258 per month in the variable dearness allowance for agricultural laborers.
| Class of Worker | Minimum Wage (per Month) | Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) | Total Monthly Wage | Daily Wage |
| Unskilled | ₹7,660 | ₹2,268 | ₹9,928 | ₹330.93 |
Agarbatti Workers
For Agarbatti workers, a slight increase in the Consumer Price Index led to a revision of wages:
| Class of Worker | Minimum Wage (per 1000 Agarbatti) | Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) | Total Salary |
| Normal Rate (Agarbatti Rollers) | ₹44.25 | ₹25.50 | ₹69.75 |
| Scented Agarbatti Rollers | ₹45.00 | ₹25.50 | ₹70.50 |
Important Notes:
Daily/Monthly Wage Calculation: The wage rates have been determined based on a 26-day working month.
Rounding of Wages: Wages are rounded up as per the finance department circular (where applicable).
Review Period: These revisions are applicable from April 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
Impact on Various Sectors: The changes affect a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, government services, and more, ensuring fair compensation for workers across Madhya Pradesh.
Conclusion:
The revised wage rates and VDA for workers in Madhya Pradesh reflect the government’s commitment to adjusting wages in line with inflation and the cost of living, ensuring fair compensation for workers in different sectors. These adjustments, based on the latest CPI data, will impact the economic wellbeing of thousands of workers across the state, providing them with better financial security and helping to maintain a fair and just wage structure.
