The Delhi government has increased the minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers, further solidifying its position as offering the highest minimum wage in the country. Unskilled workers will now earn Rs 18,066, up from the previous Rs 17,494. Semi-skilled workers will receive Rs 19,929 (up from Rs 19,279), and skilled workers will see their wages rise to Rs 21,917 (from Rs 21,215).
Announcing the changes, Delhi CM Atishi stated that the new rates will come into effect starting October 1. “Delhi has the highest minimum wage in the entire country,” Atishi remarked, comparing the wages to those in BJP-ruled states, where the minimum wage for unskilled workers is significantly lower.
Comparisons with BJP-Ruled States
During her announcement, Atishi highlighted that the minimum wage for unskilled workers in Delhi exceeds Rs 18,000, while in other states like Rajasthan, it is just Rs 8,063, and Madhya Pradesh pays Rs 10,000. Uttar Pradesh offers Rs 8,300, Haryana Rs 10,000, and Chhattisgarh Rs 10,900 for unskilled workers.
Atishi took the opportunity to draw contrasts, asserting that while other states fall short, Arvind Kejriwal’s government is consistently focused on improving the living conditions of the common people in Delhi.
A Decade of AAP’s Focus on Welfare
Atishi pointed out that over the last 10 years, the AAP-ruled government has implemented various initiatives aimed at benefiting ordinary Delhiites. These include 24-hour electricity, some of the cheapest electricity rates in the country, excellent government schools, free medical tests and medicines in Mohalla Clinics, world-class hospitals, free pilgrimage trips for the elderly, and free bus travel for women.
She further shared that the AAP government succeeded in linking minimum wage increases to the dearness allowance (DA), ensuring wages rise twice a year, just like government employees’ salaries.
Opposition from BJP and Legal Battle
According to Atishi, the BJP strongly opposed the wage increase. However, the AAP government, under Arvind Kejriwal, fought and secured a court order in favor of the wage hikes. This victory has allowed the government to continue its work in improving the lives of Delhi’s common people.
Pending CAG Reports to Be Tabled in Assembly
Separately, the L-G Secretariat has written to Delhi’s Chief Secretary Dharmendra and Finance Secretary Ashish Chandra Verma, instructing them to table over 12 pending CAG reports during the Delhi Assembly session on September 26-27. The matter has also been brought to the attention of Chief Minister Atishi.
