Firdous Hassan
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government has proposed to revise the minimum wages of workers in 39 different fields.
Unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, highly skilled, administrative/ministerial jobs all fall under the minimum wage categories.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 5 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (Act no. XI of 1948), the Government of Jammu and Kashmir hereby proposes to revise the minimum rates of wages, in respect of the scheduled employments as notified from time to time, as per details given in Annexure to this notification”, a notification issued Sarita Chauhan, Commissioner/ Secretary to the Government
As per the notification construction, forestry, rice/floor/dal mills, tanneries, leather manufacturing, brick kiln, private brick and tile making, employment in any mica work, auto body fabrication, hotel/restaurant/tea shop, woolen carpet making or shawl, manufacturing of arms and ammunition, and plastic industry are just a few of the occupations/industries where the minimum wages have been revised.
The government has suggested a salary adjustment of Rs 302 for unskilled workers, Rs 385 for semi-skilled workers, Rs 469 for skilled workers, Rs 536 for highly-skilled workers, and Rs 436 for administrative/ministerial positions, according to the notification.
The minimum salary for daily wage earners, including casual laborers, in all government departments in Jammu and Kashmir, has been increased from Rs 225 per day to Rs 300 per day.
Labour and Employment Department has asked for comments and advice in this regard.
“The proposed revision is hereby notified for information of the persons likely to be affected thereby and if any person has any objection/ suggestion to the proposal, the same should be submitted to the Government in the Labour and Employment Department within two months from the date of issuance of this notification, after which the proposed revision shall be taken into consideration by the Government,” it added.
“The suggestions/ objections should be addressed to the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Labour & Employment Department and sent by post or to the email [email protected]”, it added.
A senior government official said that the revision of the minimum wages was important for the financial stability of the labor community.
“Daily wagers contribute significantly to the growth of Union Territory. A sizeable section of the workforce will profit from the temporary solution that was implemented. We are steadfastly committed to ensuring the welfare and well-being of all daily wagers,” he said.
