Rajasthan Government Revises Minimum Wage Rates for Workers

The Government of Rajasthan has issued a notification on December 13, 2024, revising the minimum wage rates for employees across various industries. These revised rates will be applicable from January 1, 2023, and cover workers employed in scheduled employments listed under two major categories: Schedule Part I and Schedule Part II.

Schedule Part I includes a wide range of industries, such as:

• Cotton ginning and pressing factories
• Printing presses
• Cinema industries
• And other sectors listed by the government

On the other hand, Schedule Part II primarily focuses on agricultural work, encompassing tasks such as:

• Ploughing and sowing of land
• Dairy farming
• Cultivation, growing, and harvesting of agricultural or horticultural commodities
• Rearing of livestock
• Bee-keeping, poultry farming, and other agricultural-related activities

This comprehensive categorization ensures that workers in various sectors, both industrial and agricultural, are covered under the revised minimum wage structure.

Key Highlights of the Revised Minimum Wage Rates:

1. Daily Wage Calculation: For those employed on a daily wage basis, the new rates are calculated by dividing the monthly wage rate by 26 days. This reflects the typical work pattern, considering that employees generally work for 26 days in a month.
2. Existing Wages Higher than the New Rates: If an employee’s wages were already higher than the newly fixed minimum wage on the date the revised rates come into effect, they will continue to receive their current wages, which will be treated as the minimum wage moving forward.
3. Inclusive Wage Structure: The wage rates cover not just the basic wage but also subsistence allowance and the cash value of any benefits (if applicable). Additionally, weekly holiday pay is included in the revised rates.
4. Overtime Pay: Employees who work beyond the regular working hours of 8 hours per day will be entitled to overtime pay at double the normal wage rate. This move aims to ensure that employees are fairly compensated for additional hours worked.
5. Contractor Employees: The new minimum wage rates also extend to workers employed by contractors, addressing the need for fair compensation for all workers, regardless of their direct employment status.
6. Wages for Minors and Disabled Workers: The notification ensures that workers below 18 years of age and disabled workers receive the same wage rates as adults in the same skill categories—unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, or highly skilled.
7. Incorporating Consumer Price Index (CPI): The new wage rates are also informed by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Industrial Workers in the regions of Jaipur, Alwar, and Bhilwara, which recorded an increase of 687 points between July 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022.
8. Part-Time Workers’ Wages: For part-time workers, the wages are adjusted based on hours worked. If a part-time worker works for less than 4 hours, they will be paid 50% of the prescribed minimum wage. For more than 4 hours, they will receive the full prescribed wage.
9. Effective Date: These new wage rates will come into effect starting January 1, 2023, ensuring workers across Rajasthan receive the updated compensation.