Labour wage hike after seeking objection: Dingo
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 06 2024: Labour and Employment minister Heikham Dingo said that the state cabinet has approved enhanced minimum wages of scheduled and non-scheduled labourers recommended by the advisory committee meeting.

A notification inviting objections from the public with a 6O-day deadline will be issued soon, after which the enhanced minimum wages will be notified.

He made the statement during the discussion on the demand for grants for labour and employment department totalling Rs 68,07,28,000 in the ongoing state assembly on Tuesday.

Responding to a policy cut motion moved by opposition member Okram Surjakumar, the minister said that minimum wages for labourers are reviewed every five years.

However, the government could not revised the wages rate due to Covid-19 pandemic and Lok Sabha election.

The state advisory committee held a meeting in this regard on February 14, 2022.The meeting was attended by law secretary, head of departments and representatives of political parties.

Due to differences in opinion, consensus eluded meeting.

After consulting statistics and economic experts and comparing labour wages rate of neighbouring states, another meeting was held on February 20 this year and the final recommendation was adopted.

The recommendation was then tabled before the state cabinet on July 24 and was approved, he explained.

Stating that the approved revised minimum daily wages are now Rs 400, up from Rs 225 for unskilled workers; Rs 440, up from Rs 248 for semi-skilled workers; Rs 480, up from Rs 273 for skilled labourers; and Rs 590, up from Rs 333.33 for managerial roles including principals and vice-principals, the minister said that wages for watchmen, peons, sweepers, cleaners working under local authorities have been increased to Rs 450 from Rs 225, and part-time sweepers will now receive Rs 420, up from Rs 240 .

House helpers will receive wage of Rs 53 per hour from Rs 30 for tasks like sweeping, shaving, dusting, housekeeping, washing utensils, and clothes, and to Rs 62 per hour from Rs 35 for cooking, babysitting, and elder care.

As per rules, the revised wages rate will be notified for seeking public objection with a deadline of 60 days, after which the final rate will be notified, he said.

While participating in the discussion, opposition member K Meghachandra highlighted engagement of non-local labourers in paint jobs for construction works as they are often recommended by paint stores in Imphal, which are mostly owned by non-local traders.

Stating that local labourers are equally skilled in such works, he sought attention of the House to look into the matter.

The minister responded positively assuring to look into it.

The minister further told the House about the recent achievement of releasing benefits worth over Rs 2 crore to 4888 labour card holders towards education assistance for their children.

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