Ahead of International Workers’ Day, Ashok Gehlot, the former Chief Minister, expressed serious worries to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma regarding the low minimum wage levels in Rajasthan. Gehlot highlighted that Rajasthan ranks poorly in minimum wages compared to other states, with unskilled workers earning Rs 7,410 per month and highly skilled workers earning Rs 9,334 per month. He emphasized the need for immediate corrective actions to address this concerning issue.
Gehlot pointed out that over the last decade, wages in Rajasthan have only increased by 40–50%, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has nearly doubled. This disparity has led to minimal real income growth for workers, lagging significantly behind other states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi in terms of wage growth and revision. He also raised concerns about irregular revisions in the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) and the absence of sector-specific wage rates in the state.
To tackle these challenges, Gehlot proposed several reforms, including raising minimum wages to Rs 12,000–Rs 15,000 per month, implementing mandatory six-monthly VDA revisions, and incorporating essential living costs into wage calculations. He stressed the importance of fair wages for the unorganised sector workers, highlighting their crucial role in Rajasthan’s economy and the potential negative impacts of inadequate remuneration on livelihoods and economic growth.
Gehlot recommended the development of a sector-specific wage notification system in Rajasthan, similar to practices in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, to determine distinct wage rates for different sectors. He also suggested including allowances for transport, healthcare, and education in wage calculations and strengthening the enforcement of the Minimum Wages Act through enhanced monitoring and stricter penalties.
