The Labour & Employment Department of the Government of Gujarat has announced a significant revision in the minimum wage structure for various workers across the state. The new wage order will be effective from October 1, 2024, and will remain in place until March 31, 2025. This move aims to provide fair compensation to workers across different sectors, ensuring a better standard of living for those employed in key industries.
The revised wage structure impacts 46 categories of businesses spread across two main zones: Zone I and Zone II. These zones represent different geographical areas within Gujarat, each with distinct wage requirements based on the type of work and local economic conditions.
What Are the Key Zones?
- Zone I includes all Municipal Corporations across Gujarat, which are typically larger urban centers with more developed infrastructure and higher cost of living.
- Zone II comprises all Major Municipalities that have populations exceeding 1 lakh people, which includes mid-sized urban areas that are growing rapidly.
Minimum Wages for Different Categories of Workers
The minimum wage order outlines the basic wages for different categories of workers, including skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled employees. Additionally, the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) is also included to account for fluctuations in the cost of living.
For 46 Establishments/Factories & Ship Breaking Work:
| Category of Worker | Zone | Basic Minimum Wages (₹) | V.D.A (₹) | Total Minimum Wages per Day (₹) | Monthly Wages (₹) |
| Skilled | 1 | ₹474 | ₹35 | ₹509 | ₹13,234 |
| Semi Skilled | 1 | ₹462 | ₹35 | ₹497 | ₹12,922 |
| Unskilled | 1 | ₹452 | ₹35 | ₹487 | ₹12,662 |
| Skilled | 2 | ₹462 | ₹35 | ₹497 | ₹12,922 |
| Semi Skilled | 2 | ₹452 | ₹35 | ₹487 | ₹12,662 |
| Unskilled | 2 | ₹441 | ₹35 | ₹476 | ₹12,376 |
For Sweeping and Cleaning Work:
For workers involved in sweeping and cleaning, the revised wages vary according to the specific areas in Gujarat. These areas are categorized as Area A, Area B, and Area C, depending on the urbanization level and the corresponding cost of living.
| Area | Basic Minimum Wages (₹) | V.D.A (₹) | Total Minimum Wages per Day (₹) | Monthly Wages (₹) |
| Area A (Ahmedabad Municipal Area within 10 KM) | ₹452 | ₹35 | ₹487 | ₹12,662 |
| Area B (Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Surat, Vadodara, Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, Junagadh Municipal Corporation within 5 KM limits) | ₹452 | ₹35 | ₹487 | ₹12,662 |
| Area C (Other Areas in Gujarat not included in A and B) | ₹441 | ₹35 | ₹476 | ₹12,376 |
Understanding the Categories of Workers
Unskilled Workers: These workers perform simple tasks that require minimal training or experience. The duties are routine, and the work doesn’t involve independent decision-making. For example, laborers involved in manual handling or basic machine operation.
Semi-Skilled Workers: These workers perform tasks that require some level of training and experience but generally have limited decision-making responsibility. They may handle more complex tasks compared to unskilled workers but still follow strict guidelines.
Skilled Workers: Skilled workers possess a higher level of expertise in their field, are able to work independently, and have specialized knowledge. They make critical decisions regarding the tasks they perform and are usually proficient in using tools or machinery in their respective industries.
Highly Skilled Workers: These employees are not only skilled but also manage or supervise other skilled workers. They are responsible for overseeing operations, ensuring quality control, and making high-level decisions related to their field of work.
