Labour Day: How Prosperous Are India's 'Architects of Destiny'?—Wages Across the States..

Today is May 1st, a day dedicated to hardworking laborers across the globe and observed as 'Labor Day.' Whether referred to as *Shramik Divas* or *Mazdoor Divas*, this day is celebrated to honor the rights, struggles, and contributions of workers. 'International Labor Day' originated in memory of those who lost their lives—becoming martyrs—during a strike in the United States on May 1, 1886, which sought to establish an eight-hour workday, and the subsequent violence that ensued. It was in the wake of this movement that the eight-hour workday rule was established for the working class on a global scale. That covers the history of Labor Day; now, let us turn our attention to the present and the rights of workers. Since independence, India has witnessed numerous labor reforms, and various governments have enacted laws and regulations to improve the working conditions and wages of laborers—most notably, the implementation of the four 'Labor Codes.'

Recently, in Noida—an industrial hub in Uttar Pradesh situated right next to Delhi—thousands of workers took to the streets to demand a wage hike. Subsequently, acceding to the workers' demands, the government increased the interim minimum wages for laborers by approximately 21%. Do you know what the provisions are regarding workers' salaries or the minimum daily wages for laborers in India? Apart from wages, what other benefits and facilities are provided to them? Which state offers the highest salaries or daily wages to its workers? Let us provide you with all the essential information regarding this matter...

**Where are Workers' Wages High, and Where are They Low?**
In terms of average monthly salaries for regular employees in India, Mizoram stands out as the state guaranteeing the highest amount, at ₹37,169. Following Mizoram, states such as Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Haryana, Karnataka, and Kerala offer average monthly salaries ranging from ₹31,090 to ₹25,443. Meanwhile, UP, Tripura, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Punjab rank among the states paying the lowest monthly wages to workers, where the average monthly wage for laborers ranges from ₹18,426 to ₹16,467.

**Revision of Minimum Wage Rates in These States**
Major states such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have revised their minimum wage rates effective April 1, 2026, impacting millions of workers across various skill levels. Haryana has issued new minimum wage tiers based on skill categories, while Uttar Pradesh has implemented an interim wage hike of approximately 21% across unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled worker groups.

Under the revised wage structure, unskilled workers in Haryana will receive a minimum monthly wage of ₹15,220.71. For semi-skilled workers, the minimum wage has been fixed at ₹16,780.74 per month. Skilled workers will receive at least ₹18,500.81 per month.

In Uttar Pradesh, the interim minimum wage has been revised, resulting in a wage increase of up to 21% for workers in the Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad districts. In these two districts, the wages for unskilled workers have risen from ₹11,313 to ₹13,690, marking an increase of 21.01%.

Similarly, the wages for semi-skilled workers will increase from ₹12,445 to ₹15,059, representing a 21% hike. For skilled workers, the revised wage has gone up from ₹13,940 to ₹16,868, reflecting a 21% increase.

According to a notification, unskilled workers in Uttar Pradesh are entitled to receive a minimum wage of ₹11,313.65 per month or ₹435.14 per day. Similarly, the minimum monthly wage for semi-skilled workers has been fixed at ₹12,446, and the daily wage at ₹478.69. For skilled workers, the current minimum monthly wage is ₹13,940.37, and the daily wage is ₹536.16.

Labor Codes and Workers' Rights
In November of last year, the Government of India announced the implementation of four new Labor Codes. These codes encompass provisions aimed at ensuring better wages, safety, social security, and enhanced welfare for India's workforce. Their key provisions are as follows:

Appointment letters are mandatory for all employees. This is because written documentation ensures transparency, job security, and permanent employment status.
Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, all workers—including gig and platform workers—will be entitled to social security coverage.
All workers will receive benefits such as pensions, ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) coverage, insurance, and other social security entitlements.
Under the Code on Wages, 2019, all workers possess a statutory right to receive minimum wages.
The provision of minimum wages and timely payments will ensure economic security for workers.
Employers must provide free annual health check-ups to all employees over the age of 40.
Employers are mandated to pay wages on time; this ensures financial stability, reduces work-related stress, and boosts the overall morale of the workforce.
Subject to their consent and the implementation of necessary safety measures, women are permitted to work night shifts and engage in all types of work across all establishments.
Women will have equal opportunities to earn higher incomes, including access to high-paying jobs.

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