Bhopal: Despite a recent pay hike, daily wage workers in Madhya Pradesh are far from satisfied. The state’s Labor Commissioner has announced new wage rates for daily wage workers across the state, effective until September 30, 2025. The new rates include an increase in wages along with a provision for Sundays off. However, employees have expressed dissatisfaction, calling the hike insufficient.
Ashok Pandey, the state president of the Madhya Pradesh Employees’ Forum, revealed that the new wages set by the Labor Commissioner are as follows: Unskilled workers will now earn Rs 12,125 per month, semi-skilled workers Rs 13,121, skilled workers Rs 14,844, and highly skilled workers Rs 16,469. Additionally, workers will be granted Sundays off.
However, the Forum has voiced strong discontent over the modest Rs 275 increase in monthly wages effective from April 1, 2025. Ashok Pandey criticized the decision, stating that the wage hike is based on a 10-year-old index, which he claims is grossly unfair to workers. While inflation has surged over the past decade, the decision fails to match the rising cost of living, further burdening the already struggling workforce. The Forum has called for a more substantial wage increase to reflect the current economic realities.
