The UT Administration of Ladakh on May 18, 2026, issued circular on One-time verification and wage rationalization of Daily Rated Workers (DRWs).
The UT Administration of Ladakh has observed irregular engagement and inconsistent wages for part-time, seasonal, and daily-rated workers, despite a ban on fresh full-time daily-rated engagements since March 17, 2015. Many workers are being paid significantly below minimum wage levels.
To address this, the administration has initiated a one-time verification and wage rationalization exercise to ensure uniformity and compliance with the Minimum Wages Act. All such workers engaged after the ban will be brought under a uniform classification system, and wages will be revised on a pro-rata basis depending on working hours.
Key Directions to Departments
Verify worker details (nature of work, hours, wages, Aadhaar-linked bank details).
Propose revised wages as per notified minimum wage rates (S.O. 117 dated November 2, 2022).
Discontinue unnecessary engagements and workers above 60 years of age.
Submit verified data and financial implications within 20 days to the Finance Department.
A committee will review certain categories of workers to maintain consistency across departments.
The circular clarifies that this is only a wage rationalization exercise, not a step toward regularization. Any new engagement in violation of the existing ban will be the personal responsibility of the concerned authority.
[Circular No. 08 -F of 2026]
