The Department of Labour of Uttarakhand recently issued a significant notification on 15th March, 2024, detailing revisions to the minimum wage rates for employees working in commercial establishments and shops across the state. These revised rates aim to ensure fair compensation for workers based on various categories and factors.
Employees are categorized based on the minimum monthly rates of wages payable, with distinctions between cities in Uttarakhand with a population of one lakh or more and the remaining parts of the state. The categorization includes unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and clerical staff, each with corresponding minimum wage rates.
The minimum rates of basic wages for different categories of work are determined based on the All India Consumer Price Index, specifically 301 points. Additionally, a Variable Dearness Allowance is incorporated to adjust wages in response to fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index, with adjustments scheduled twice a year.
The notification specifies that the daily rate of wages should not fall below 1/26 of the monthly minimum basic wage rate and variable dearness allowance. Similarly, the hourly rate should not be less than 1/6 of the daily rate. Part-time employees working fewer hours are also accounted for with proportional wage rates.
Emphasizing the protection of employee interests, the notification ensures that existing wage rates higher than the revised rates will be maintained without reduction. Employers are mandated to uphold these rates, ensuring that no employee receives wages lower than the stipulated minimum.
The notification includes provisions for quantity-proportional rates, remuneration for rest days, and the equal treatment of contract labor in terms of wages and dearness allowance. The Appendix categorizes employees into unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and clerical staff, outlining specific roles and educational qualifications for each category.
In conclusion, the revised minimum wage rates set by the Department of Labour of Uttarakhand aim to provide equitable compensation to employees across different categories, reflecting a commitment to fair labor practices and employee welfare.
