The Labour Department, Govt. of Assam on May 13, 2026, notified regarding the revised Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) for Contract Workers from January 01, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• It has notified revised Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) rates for contract workers not covered under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and who do not perform the same or similar work as directly employed workers of the principal employer. Based on the all-India CPI-IW average of 424.80 for July–December 2025, the cumulative VDA has been fixed at 57.92% for the period January–June 2026.
• Accordingly, the revised minimum wage rates effective January 01, 2026, are ₹727 per day (₹21,810 per month) for highly skilled workers, ₹585 per day (₹17,550 per month) for skilled workers with ITI or equivalent qualifications, ₹553 per day (₹16,590 per month) for other skilled workers, ₹458 per day (₹13,740 per month) for semi-skilled workers, and ₹395 per day (₹11,850 per month) for unskilled workers.
• The notification also reiterates service conditions for contract labour under the Assam Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Rules, 1971, including overtime wages at double the ordinary rate for work beyond 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week, a paid weekly day of rest, paid national holidays on 26 January, 1 May, 15 August, and 2 October, up to seven days of paid festival leave annually, annual leave with wages at the rate of one day for every 20 days worked, and Leave Travel Concession once every alternate year.
[Notification no. - 412503/443-446]
