CHANDIGARH, MAY 1— A major policy shift on International Labour Day, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the Punjab government has approved a 15% hike in minimum wages. The decision increases the daily payout for unskilled laborers to ₹555.45, up from the previous rate of ₹483. Mann affirmed that this move addresses a “historic injustice” where wages remained stagnant for nearly 13 years under previous political regimes.
The Chief Minister noted that the last significant revision occurred in 2013, with subsequent administrations failing to keep pace with inflation. He stated that the revised wages will provide immediate financial relief to thousands of workers across the state. Mann maintained that the hike is a testament to the AAP government’s “pro-worker” agenda and its dedication to reinvesting public funds into the pockets of the people.
“This increase comes after a gap of around 13 years and covers periods under successive previous governments,” Chief Minister Mann affirmed. He declared that the delay in wage updates was a reflection of the “misplaced priorities” of those who governed Punjab before the current administration took office.
During his address, the Chief Minister also reflected on the state’s law and order framework, stating that the presence of high-ranking officials has not always translated into the desired results on the ground. He mentioned that despite having over 30 officers at the DGP and ADGP levels, the government is continuously striving to enhance the security environment for all citizens.
Health and Finance officials affirmed that the wage increase is a sustainable measure intended to boost the local economy by increasing the purchasing power of the workforce. They stated that the new wage standards would be implemented across all sectors immediately, providing a much-needed baseline of support for Punjab’s labor community.
