Jammu and Kashmir Revises Minimum Wages: Awaiting National Floor Wage Update

The Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister announced the revision of minimum wages for scheduled employments, with further changes pending national floor wage updates. This was discussed during a legislative session, emphasizing the impact of inflation and cost of living adjustments on the new wage structure.

The Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, confirmed on Tuesday that the Union Territory revised its minimum wages for scheduled employments in October 2022. Future wage revisions will depend on the Government of India's notification and implementation of a national floor wage under the code on wages.

Responding to a question from legislator Ali Mohammad Dar, Choudhary explained that changes are made under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, with adjustments based on the Variable Dearness Allowance linked to the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers. He highlighted that these revisions aim to tackle inflation and the escalating cost of living across different worker skill levels.

The new central notifications, effective from October 1, 2024, feature upward revisions in wage rates for unorganized sector workers and scheduled employments. These revised wages cover basic pay and VDA. Choudhary added that national floor minimum wage provisions will apply under the Code on Wages across Jammu and Kashmir once nationally implemented.

(With inputs from agencies.)