In a significant move aimed at ensuring fair compensation for workers in the paper production sector, the Government of Kerala’s Labour and Skills Department issued a notification on December 18, 2024, revising the minimum wage rates for employees in this industry. This update impacts a wide range of job roles across two categories: Group A and Group B.
Key Highlights:
The revised minimum wage structure is designed to address the varying levels of responsibilities and skills required for different positions in the paper production industry. The notification also introduces a Variable Dearness Allowance (DA), which will be calculated based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by the Kerala Department of Economics and Statistics.
In addition, employees currently receiving wages higher than the prescribed minimums will continue to receive their existing wages. The new wage rates will take effect immediately, providing relief and better financial security to workers in the sector.
The minimum wage rates for employees across both groups:
Group A: Supervisory and Administrative Roles
| Position | Basic Wage (per month) |
| Assistant Manager | Rs. 26,040 |
| Senior Supervisor/Supervisor Higher Guide | Rs. 24,640 |
| Marketing Executive | Rs. 22,540 |
| Junior Supervisor | Rs. 21,140 |
| Accountant | Rs. 20,440 |
| Clerk | Rs. 20,440 |
| Despatch Clerk | Rs. 20,440 |
| Junior Executive | Rs. 20,440 |
| Store Keeper | Rs. 19,740 |
| Driver | Rs. 19,740 |
| Account Assistant | Rs. 19,040 |
| Sales Assistant | Rs. 19,040 |
| Security Staff | Rs. 17,990 |
| Office Assistant | Rs. 17,640 |
| Sweeper / Cleaner | Rs. 16,940 |
Group B: Technical and Operational Roles
| Position | Basic Wage (per month) |
| Electrical Engineering | Rs. 26,040 |
| Production Superintendent | Rs. 26,040 |
| Pulp Mill Superintendent | Rs. 26,040 |
| Shift Incharge | Rs. 24,640 |
| Electrical Supervisor | Rs. 24,640 |
| Foreman | Rs. 24,640 |
| Quality Controller | Rs. 23,940 |
| Pulp Mill Operator | Rs. 23,240 |
| Boiler Operator | Rs. 23,240 |
| Machine Operator | Rs. 23,240 |
| Steam Operator | Rs. 23,240 |
| Assistant Foreman | Rs. 23,240 |
| Weigh Bridge Operator | Rs. 21,840 |
| Cutter and Rewinder Operator | Rs. 21,840 |
| Electrician | Rs. 21,840 |
| Fitter | Rs. 21,840 |
| Assistant Operator / Junior Operator | Rs. 19,740 |
| Electrical Assistant | Rs. 18,340 |
| Paper Finisher | Rs. 18,340 |
| Wire Boy/Press Boy | Rs. 18,340 |
| Assistant/Helper | Rs. 17,640 |
| General Worker | Rs. 17,640 |
Dearness Allowance (DA)
The Variable Dearness Allowance will be added to the basic wage, calculated at Rs. 60 per point above 165 points in the new Consumer Price Index (CPI) series (2011-12 = 100) for the district headquarters concerned. This is designed to adjust wages in line with the rising cost of living.
General Conditions:
- Higher Wages: Employees already receiving higher wages than the newly prescribed rates will continue to receive their current wages.
- Daily Wage Calculation: The total of the basic monthly wage, including the Dearness Allowance, will be divided by 26 to calculate the daily wage.
- Unlisted Posts: Any unlisted posts not covered in this notification will be provided with minimum wages similar to those of similar roles in the sector.
This wage revision ensures that workers in the paper production industry are paid in accordance with their roles and responsibilities, while also providing adjustments for inflation and the cost of living. It is a step forward in ensuring better financial security for employees in Kerala’s industrial sector.
