The Government of Karnataka, on May 25, 2026, revised the minimum rates of wages applicable to scheduled employments across the State. The notification has been issued after considering stakeholder objections, recommendations of the Karnataka State Minimum Wages Advisory Board, and the outcome of litigation challenging earlier minimum wage notifications issued during 2022-23.
The notification adopts a single unified framework for minimum wages covering numerous scheduled employments and prescribes wage rates based on geographical zones and skill categories, namely unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled workers. It also introduces provisions relating to annual Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) revision based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Further, the notification reiterates equal remuneration principles, mandates payment of overtime wages at twice the ordinary rate of wages, and extends coverage to several additional employments, including non-teaching staff of private educational institutions, e-commerce establishments, courier services, and other sectors. The revised wage rates are applicable with immediate effect.
[Notification No. KAE 411 LMW 2023]
