New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Wednesday announced a substantial hike in the minimum wage for unorganised sector workers. The new wage structure will see unskilled workers earning Rs 18,066 per month, semi-skilled workers Rs 19,929, and skilled workers Rs 21,917. This wage hike is set to impact thousands of workers in the capital who are engaged in various forms of manual labour and service jobs.Highest minimum wages in the countryIn her first press conference as Delhi Chief Minister, Atishi emphasized the commitment of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to protect the rights of the working class. She highlighted that under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi government has consistently prioritized labour welfare by ensuring that workers in the city receive the highest minimum wages in the country.Atishi said, “The AAP government has always stood by the labourers and the working class. The minimum wages we have implemented in Delhi are the highest in India. This reflects our belief in fair pay for hard work.” She credited her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, for initiating the policy and ensuring its continuation, stating that the government has not only implemented these wages through the legal system but has also committed to regular revisions.दिल्ली सरकार ने एक बार फिर दिल्ली में न्यूनतम वेतन को बढ़ाने का फैसला लिया है। पूरे देश में सबसे ज़्यादा minimum wages दिल्ली में हैं।1 अक्टूबर से लागू नई दरों के साथ अब Unskilled workers का न्यूनतम वेतन ₹18,066, Semi Skilled workers का ₹19,929 व Skilled workers न्यूनतम… pic.twitter.com/05fihji2QU— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) September 25, 2024Big move for working classThis wage revision is seen as a crucial step to ensure the financial stability of workers in Delhis unorganised sector, which includes construction workers, domestic helpers, drivers, and many others. With this decision, the AAP government has reaffirmed its commitment to elevating the living standards of the lower-income group in the city.The new wage structure will be a relief for many families struggling to make ends meet, especially in the current economic climate where inflation continues to put pressure on household budgets. The hike in wages is expected to boost spending power among the citys working class, contributing positively to the local economy.AAPs labour-friendly policies vs BJPs anti-poor stanceAtishi used the opportunity to take a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing the party of neglecting the working class. She alleged that BJP-ruled states pay significantly lower minimum wages compared to Delhi. In BJP-ruled states, the wages being paid are perhaps half of what is being given in Delhi. This shows their anti-poor attitude,” she said.Atishi pointed out that the wage policies in Delhi were designed to safeguard the interests of workers and help them cope with the rising cost of living. She further added, “Unlike the BJP government, which has always been against the poor, we ensure that workers in Delhi receive not just minimum wages but a decent wage that reflects the hard work they put in.Regular wage revisions despite challengesThe Delhi government has also ensured that minimum wages for unorganised workers are revised twice a year, despite what Atishi described as “obstruction” from the central government. She expressed pride in the fact that even with political hurdles, the AAP government has maintained its focus on worker welfare. “At every stage, there were attempts to block us, but we fought in the courts and ensured that the wages were implemented. We will continue to fight for the rights of the working class,” Atishi stated. More reforms to followWhile this wage increase marks a significant achievement for the AAP government, Atishi hinted that more reforms are on the way. “This is just the beginning. We will continue to work for the welfare of the poor and marginalised sections of society. Our government is committed to making Delhi a city where every worker gets their due,” she concluded.
