On January 14, 2025, the Government of Meghalaya issued a notification revising the minimum wages for various scheduled employments with effect from January 1, 2025.
Key Details of the Notification:
The revised minimum wages will apply to a wide range of employment categories across different sectors in Meghalaya. The minimum wage rates are differentiated by skill levels: Unskilled, Semi-skilled, Skilled, and Highly-skilled.
Minimum Wage Rates (Per Day):
| Category | Minimum Wage (Per Day) |
| Unskilled | ₹525.00 |
| Semi-skilled | ₹565.00 |
| Skilled | ₹605.00 |
| Highly-skilled | ₹645.00 |
These rates will be applicable across various scheduled employments, which include a diverse list of sectors like:
- Agriculture
- Construction & Maintenance of Buildings
- Stone Crushing & Breaking
- Power, Water Supply & Land Development
- Sericulture & Weaving
- Animal Husbandry
- Forestry
- Hotels and Restaurants
- Mines & Minerals
- Domestic Workers
- Security Guards and many more.
Explanation of Categories:
Unskilled: Jobs requiring little or no skill or experience.
Semi-skilled: Jobs requiring some skill and competence, typically acquired through experience.
Skilled: Jobs requiring specific training or competence, involving initiative and judgment.
Highly-skilled: Expert-level jobs requiring great expertise.
Important Terms & Conditions:
- Employees with relevant certificates or diplomas may be placed directly in the Semi-skilled or Skilled categories, depending on the employer’s discretion.
- The upgradation of work categories (e.g., from Unskilled to Semi-skilled or Skilled to Highly-skilled) will be at the employer’s discretion.
- Standard working hours remain 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week.
- The minimum wage rates include pay for weekly rest days, and overtime work will be compensated at double the ordinary wage rate.
- The revised minimum wages are effective from January 1, 2025, and will be subject to review and adjustments every six months, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA).
This revision is significant in ensuring fair wages for employees across various sectors in Meghalaya, providing a clearer structure for wages based on skill levels. Employers and employees alike must adhere to the new wage structure starting from January 1, 2025.
