CHANDIGARH, MAY 1 — Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced a 15% increase in minimum wages for laborers in Punjab on Friday, ending a revision drought that he stated had persisted since 2013. During a special Vidhan Sabha session, the Chief Minister maintained that the adjustment was long overdue, as previous governments led by the Congress and the Akali-BJP alliance had failed to update wage standards for over a decade.
Under the new revision, the daily minimum wage has been increased from ₹483 to ₹555.45. Mann affirmed that this 13-year gap in wage adjustment had left the state’s workforce at a significant disadvantage. He stated that his administration is committed to ensuring that the benefits of state growth reach the lowest strata of the labor force.
“Minimum wages for labourers in the state had not been increased since 2013,” Chief Minister Mann declared. He maintained that his government is actively working to correct the “stagnation” left behind by prior leadership, ensuring that laborers are compensated fairly in line with current economic realities.
In addition to the wage hike, the Chief Minister expressed concern regarding the state’s administrative efficiency, noting a top-heavy police structure. He pointed out that while Punjab employs 16 Directors General of Police and an equal number of Additional DGPs, law and order challenges remain a focus for the government. He affirmed that his administration is analyzing these structural issues to improve public safety.
The announcement was met with support from labor representatives, who noted that the previous wage levels were no longer sustainable. Officials stated that the 15% hike is part of a broader package aimed at labor welfare, ensuring that the state’s economic policies prioritize the dignity and financial stability of every worker in Punjab.
