Atishi hikes Delhi's minimum wages to become highest in the entire country, workers to be paid minimum Rs 18,066 starting Oct 1

In a significant move aimed at uplifting Delhi's working class, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government under Chief Minister Atishi has hiked the minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers, making them the highest in the entire country. Starting October 1, 2024, the revised minimum wages will be Rs 18,066 for unskilled workers, Rs 19,929 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 21,917 for skilled workers. This hike comes as a beacon of relief for the city's working class, particularly ahead of the upcoming festival season.

At a press conference, Chief Minister Atishi, flanked by Labour Minister Mukesh Ahlawat, announced the wage hike. She emphasised that these new rates are not only the highest in India but a testament to the AAP government’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable sections of society. "I want to notify the increased prices: the minimum wage for unskilled workers will be Rs 18,066, for semi-skilled workers it will be Rs 19,929, and for skilled workers, it will be Rs 21,917," Atishi stated.

Delhi vs. BJP-ruled States

The announcement also carried a sharp critique of the opposition. Atishi took the opportunity to draw a stark contrast between the wages in Delhi and those in BJP-ruled states. She highlighted that in these states, minimum wages are often half of what is being offered in the national capital. "BJP not only gives lower wages in its states but also tries its best to stop it in Delhi," Atishi added, referencing the party’s earlier attempts to obstruct wage hikes in the capital.

The current hike is part of a larger effort by the AAP government to ensure better living conditions for workers. According to Atishi, before the AAP came to power in 2013, the minimum wage for unskilled workers in Delhi was a mere Rs 7,722, and now it stands at Rs 18,066. This substantial increase underscores the party’s long-standing pledge to protect workers' rights and ensure fair compensation.

BJP's resistance to minimum wage reforms

The announcement also reignited the debate over the BJP's stance on labour laws and minimum wage reforms. Atishi recalled the resistance her government faced when it first proposed increasing the minimum wages back in 2016-17. "When the Delhi Government talked about increasing minimum wages, BJP stopped us. After that, we had to bring an order from the court. BJP strongly opposed it, but Arvind Kejriwal’s government fought and brought a decision in favour of the common people of Delhi," she said.

Labour Minister Mukesh Ahlawat added to the conversation, asserting that the wage hike is not a one-time measure but part of a broader strategy by the AAP government to consistently improve the quality of life for workers. “Our government ensures that wages are revised twice every year, despite opposition, and we will continue to prioritise the well-being of the working class," Ahlawat noted.

Atishi didn’t shy away from broader political implications during the press conference. In a pointed attack, she accused the BJP of being "anti-poor" and "anti-labourer," citing the party's handling of the controversial farm laws and labour rights. Referring to the recent comments by actress Kangana Ranaut on reinstating the repealed farm laws, Atishi said, “BJP is anti-poor, anti-labourer, anti-farmer. This is the same government that put up strict barricades on the Haryana border during the farmer protests. They don't even show that much strictness on the Pakistan border.”

With this wage hike, Delhi is once again setting the benchmark for other states to follow. As the festival season approaches, the increased wages will provide much-needed financial relief for workers who are often struggling to make ends meet. It remains to be seen whether other states will take a cue from Delhi’s progressive approach to minimum wage reform.

(Rewritten from multiple agencies)