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Punjab wage hike falls short of expectations, say activists
Punjab announced a 15% increase in minimum wages across skill levels for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled workers. Activists say the hike is insufficient amid rising inflation and living costs, and call for a larger increase to align with Haryana. The move comes amid concerns that Punjab has not revised the base wage since 2012, despite a legal requirement to review it every five years.
Why It Matters
The wage hike affects workers across Punjab, including the unorganised sector, and signals how the state balances inflation, living costs, and regional wage comparisons with neighbouring states like Haryana.
Timeline
2 Events
Wage hike notification details released
May 2, 2026
According to the notification issued by the labour department, the monthly minimum wage for unskilled workers has been increased to ₹13,486 from ₹10,899; semi-skilled workers to ₹14,383 from ₹11,679; skilled workers to ₹15,414 from ₹12,576; and highly skilled workers to ₹16,601 from ₹13,608. Corresponding daily wages are ₹518.69 for unskilled workers up to ₹638.50 for highly skilled workers. Punjab had not revised the base rate of minimum wages since 2012, despite a legal requirement to review it every five years under the Payment of Wages Act, 1936. Labour expert Sardara Singh called the revision inadequate, saying, "This is a classic case of too little, too late. The revision should have happened in 2017 and again in 2022. Because of this delay, the actual benefit to workers is minimal."
Activists say wage hike is too little, too late
May 1, 2026
Labour rights activists on Friday, May 1, 2026, said that Punjab’s 15% minimum wage hike is 'too little, too late' and falls short of expectations amid rising inflation and the high cost of living. Labour activist Vijay Walia said the government should have increased minimum wages by at least 30% to match neighbouring Haryana, noting that workers, especially in the unorganised sector, are affected.