Ladakh UT Approves Wage Rationalisation for Daily Wagers, Revises Pay Under Minimum Wages Act | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has approved wage rationalisation for daily wagers, part-time and seasonal workers, with Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena directing that wages be paid in line with the Government of India’s Minimum Wages Act.

According to an official statement, the decision is expected to benefit thousands of workers engaged across various departments, many of whom were reportedly receiving monthly payments ranging between Rs 300 and Rs 500 despite years of service.

The administration said that under the revised framework, workers will be categorised as “skilled” and “unskilled”. Skilled workers will receive Rs 575 per day, while unskilled workers will be paid Rs 450 per day. Payments will be calculated on a pro-rata basis depending on duty hours and nature of work.

Officials said the revision will lead to a substantial increase in earnings for workers engaged as sweepers, gardeners, cleaners and in other support roles, including both local and migrant labourers who had been affected by long-standing wage disparities.

The decision follows multiple representations from daily wagers across departments seeking implementation of minimum wage norms. Acting on the issue, the Lieutenant Governor directed departments to carry out a comprehensive verification of workers engaged after March 17, 2015 and ensure a uniform wage structure.

The administration noted that varying remuneration across departments over the years had resulted in significant disparities among part-time, seasonal and daily-rated workers.

Lieutenant Governor Saxena said daily wagers play a vital role in supporting public services, particularly in remote and difficult terrain, adding that fair compensation would be ensured in a transparent manner.

He has directed departments to verify engagement records, nature of work, working hours and Aadhaar-linked bank details of workers and submit verified data within 20 days. Payments will be made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure transparency.

The administration clarified that the exercise is a wage rationalisation measure and does not imply regularisation of services.