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Get the latest information about state-wise minimum wages in India
If you want to know exactly what is your position in the job market… And, also, if you’re eager to know if your employer is paying you correctly for the services that you are providing him/her… Then, you should have a look at the set criteria of minimum wages in your area of employment. For example, if you are working… then knowing the minimum wages is going to help you a lot. How? You may ask. Because, as a worker, you must stay aware and well updated of your financial right. Moreover, as an employer too… you must stay compliant with the rules and regulations of your state. And minimum wages is one such rule.Â
But, firstly… if you’re and employee, then you should know about the category of workers where you fall in. For this, let us throw light on the basic four categories of workers in India.Â
They are: unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled. If you possess no special or unique skills at all… Then you are an unskilled worker. Similarly, if you have slight knowledge about a certain type of work… Then you might be somewhat semi-skilled. But, at the same time, if you have gained some experience of a particular type of work in any field… Then, you fall under the skilled category of employees out there. Now wait, then comes the most crucial class of employment… The elite one! It is called the highly skilled type of employees. Mostly, they are doctors, surgeons, IT professionals, teachers, writers, executives, pilots, etc.
In simple words, we can say that, minimum wage is the least amount that must necessarily be paid to an employee. It is the right of the working class. Be it of any category. Skilled or unskilled. These minimum wages are defined by the minimum wage law of every state of India.
This law was introduced to protect workers from being underpaid and exploited. Historically, it is noticed that many cruel employers take the valuable services of their employees for granted. Hence, the government if India released this minimum wage act. This act states that each employer must pay a certain least decided amount to their workers based on their skillset and the complexity of service that they do.Â
Furthermore, the minimum wages are to be released by the State Government every year. But why year? You may ask. Because, each year the cost of living also rises. Thereby, in order to empower the working class in fighting against inflation, the government brought the minimum wage law into action. Far till now, it has proved fruitful in not only improving the standards of living… but the per capita income too. Win-win isn’t it?
The minimum wage for every state is defined by the inflation level of that particular state. Inflation rate refers to the rate of increase in prices of daily used commodities over some time. It leads to a raise in the overall cost of living for an individual. The minimum wages increase annually based on the inflation rate in the economy and measured by the Consumer Price Index.Â
A high inflation rate is not good for the economy of any country. It can be a major cause of slow economic development.
Minimum wages are divided into different classes. These include unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled workers. Let’s explore each of these categories.
1. Unskilled Workers
Unskilled workers typically perform jobs that don’t require special training or education. These jobs can be found in sectors like agriculture, construction, or cleaning services.
2. Semi-Skilled Workers
Semi-skilled workers have some experience or training that makes them more valuable than unskilled workers. These jobs could include positions like machine operators or assistant technicians.
3. Skilled Workers
If you’ve gained significant expertise in your field, you’re considered a skilled worker. This could mean you’re a technician, a supervisor, or even a tradesperson like an electrician.
4. Highly Skilled Workers
Highly skilled workers are the cream of the crop in any industry. They have advanced knowledge and training in their field, making them indispensable to their employers. These workers often take on leadership roles or handle complex tasks.Â
Highly skilled workers earn even more than their skilled counterparts. While exact numbers aren’t always published, their wages typically reflect their higher level of responsibility.
You might be thinking, “Why should I care about minimum wages?” Well, understanding your wage rights helps you ensure you’re getting paid fairly. Plus, it gives you a clear path to increasing your income. Whether you want to climb from unskilled to skilled or even reach a highly skilled position, knowing these wage differences helps you set your goals.
The government revises minimum wages regularly to keep up with inflation. This means the wages you’re earning today might increase next year. But it also means you should keep an eye on these changes to ensure your employer is following the rules.
So, whether you’re an unskilled worker just starting out or a highly skilled professional, it’s important to understand how minimum wages apply to you.Â
Got any questions about where you stand? Or maybe you’re wondering how to boost your pay through skill development? Keep learning, stay informed, and make sure your employer is using the right tools to manage your wages. It’s your right!