The Odisha government has increased minimum daily wages by Rs 6 for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled workers, with revised rates effective from October 1, following a rise in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers.

The Odisha government has increased the minimum daily wages of workers across four categories by Rs 6, with the revised rates coming into effect from October 1.

According to a notification issued by the office of the Labour Commissioner on October 8, the revision has been effected through an additional Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), linked to changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for industrial workers.

With the revision, the minimum daily wage for unskilled workers has increased from Rs 472 to Rs 478. Semi-skilled workers will now receive Rs 528, against Rs 522 earlier, while the daily wages for skilled and highly skilled workers have been raised to Rs 578 and Rs 628, respectively.

The revision follows a 2.30-point rise in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers over the past six months, from 147.50 to 149.80, the notification said.

The state government revises the VDA twice a year, on April 1 and October 1, in line with changes in the index. The adjustment is intended to partially offset the impact of rising living costs on workers.

The revised rates apply to all four categories of workers covered under the state's minimum wage notification.

However, the latest revision adds only Rs 6 per day to workers' earnings, offering a marginal increase amid continued concerns over the cost of living for low-income households.


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