The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E) on March 30, 2026, issued an order regarding the revision of Central Minimum Wages and Variable Dearness Allowance effective from April 01, 2026.
The following has been stated: -
•The Ministry of Labour & Employment has revised the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) based on an 11.28-point increase in the Consumer Price Index.
•Revised rates, effective from April 01, 2026, apply to various central sphere employments across Areas A, B, and C.
•Agricultural workers’ total daily wages now range from ₹478 for unskilled labor in Area C to ₹694 for highly skilled labor in Area A.
•Mining sector wages for above-ground work range from ₹556 to ₹964, while below-ground work rates range from ₹693 to ₹1,078.
•Construction and maintenance workers will receive total wages between ₹556 (unskilled, Area C) and ₹1,094 (highly skilled, Area A).
•For loading and unloading operations in goods sheds, docks, and airports, the minimum daily wages are set at ₹827 (A), ₹693 (B), and ₹556 (C).
•Employment in sweeping and cleaning services follows the same pay structure of ₹827, ₹693, and ₹556 for Areas A, B, and C, respectively.
•Watch and Ward (without arms) staff will earn between ₹781 and ₹1,008, while those with arms earn ₹918 to ₹1,094.
•Stone Mines workers are paid via piece rates, such as ₹3,414 for stone breaking (1.0 to 1.5 inches) per 200 cubic feet truck load.
•VDA amounts across all categories have been rounded off to the next higher rupee as per the Minimum Wages Advisory Board.
•City classifications (A, B, C) and worker categories remain consistent with the original 2017 notifications.
•These orders are issued under the Code on Wages, 2019, and remain in force until subsequent orders are released.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
