Panel to study minimum wages in Delhi

Delhi government today announced that it would form a committee to study minimum wages in the national capital.
Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai, at a public hearing, directed officials to ensure that wages are paid to all workers at least as per the minimum notified rates.
According to a senior government official, as per minimum notified rates in city, Rs 8,086 is paid to unskilled worker while semi-skilled worker can be given Rs 8,918. Besides, Rs 9,802 can be paid to skilled worker.
"The committee, which will also have around two MLAs as its members, will soon be formed. It will study and come up with new minimum wages in Delhi," the official said.

At a public hearing chaired by Rai, more than 350 trade union leaders, Commissioner, Labour, and all senior officials of the nine districts gathered to understand the problems faced by workers in getting their legal entitlement in a time bound manner.
During the hearing, the Minister expressed his concerns with respect to the complaints received from workers about non-payment of the notified minimum rates of wages.
Rai also advised officials of Labour Department to be more pro active towards the needs of workers, advising union representatives to shoulder their responsibilities in a more effective and humble manner providing succour to workers.

The Minister also invited suggestions from trade unions for bringing more effectiveness in the working of Labour Department so that large numbers of workers are benefited in a time bound manner.