In a significant move, the Karnataka government is preparing to revise minimum wages, bringing substantial benefits to workers in both organised and unorganised sectors. Unskilled labourers could soon earn Rs 20,000 monthly, up from the current Rs 15,000. This change occurs every five years, ensuring wages align with workers’ basic living requirements.
Impact on Workers
This revision is expected to positively affect 53–54 lakh organised-sector workers and 1.5 crore unorganised-sector workers. Categorised into unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled groups, the wage structure follows a progressive difference of 10% between skill categories. Once implemented, this policy will standardise wages across all 83 unorganised-sector schedules.
Supreme Court Guidelines
The Supreme Court’s Reptakos Brett case (1992) set the criteria for fixing minimum wages. Employers are legally mandated to pay these wages, regardless of their financial condition. Labour Minister Santosh Lad has held multiple discussions with stakeholders, reaffirming the government’s commitment to align with these guidelines.
Standardisation Across Sectors
Under the proposed revision, workers such as washermen, maidservants, and manual scavengers will have standardised wages across skill levels. Currently, these groups operate under separate minimum wages, creating disparities. Standardisation will ensure fair and equitable compensation for all.
Reactions from Labour Unions
Satyanand Mukund, state secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), welcomed the move but emphasized the need for strict enforcement. Labour unions have long advocated for scientific wage revisions and criticised arbitrary increases, like the 5–10% hike under the previous government.
A Step Toward Worker Welfare
This policy will elevate Karnataka among the top states offering the highest minimum wages, improving living conditions and reducing economic disparities. As the government gears up to implement these changes, stakeholders remain optimistic yet vigilant about its execution.
Conclusion
The proposed wage hike in Karnataka is a progressive step toward worker welfare, ensuring minimum wages reflect the cost of living and comply with Supreme Court guidelines. Its success depends on effective implementation and monitoring, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.
