Ashok Gehlot Urges Minimum Wage Increase In Rajasthan Ahead Of Labor Day Daily Udaipur

Jaipur, April 30: Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has written to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, demanding an increase in minimum wage rates in Rajasthan, just one day before International Workers’ Day. Gehlot claims that the state’s wage rates are among the lowest in the country and require immediate improvement.

Gehlot referenced labor department data in his letter, stating that by March 2026, Rajasthan will rank among the lowest states in terms of minimum wage, a concerning situation. Currently, the minimum wage for unskilled workers is ₹7,410 per month, while highly skilled workers earn ₹9,334 per month.

He noted that in the past decade, wage rates have only increased by 40-50%, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has nearly doubled during the same period. This has resulted in minimal growth in the real purchasing power of workers.

In comparison, Gehlot highlighted that states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi have seen wage increases ranging from 80% to 110%, leaving Rajasthan lagging behind.

Gehlot also provided several recommendations to the government:
– Raise the minimum wage to between ₹12,000 and ₹15,000 per month.
– Mandate adjustments to the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) every six months.
– Establish different wage rates for various sectors, including agriculture, construction, and domestic work.
– Include essential costs such as transportation, health, and education in wage calculations.

He emphasized the need for policy changes, stating that the current system applies a uniform wage rate for all unorganized jobs, despite differing conditions across sectors. Gehlot urged the government to make timely decisions that align wage rates with the actual cost of living for workers.

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