Diwali Gift for Workers: Delhi Government Approves Hike in Dearness Allowance
Diwali Gift for Workers: Delhi Government Approves Hike in Dearness Allowance
The Delhi government has announced a significant increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) for workers ahead of Diwali, providing a much-needed boost to their incomes. Chief Minister Atishi approved the hike, which ranges from ₹572 to ₹700 per month, ensuring a festive bonus for workers in the form of increased wages.
During a press conference on Wednesday, CM Atishi stated that the increase in minimum wages, announced earlier, will be implemented from October 1st. The revised minimum wage for unskilled workers will be ₹18,066, and for semi-skilled workers, it will be ₹19,929. For skilled workers, the revised wage will be ₹21,917.
Revised Wages Post-Hike:
- Unskilled Workers: ₹18,066 (from ₹17,494)
- Semi-Skilled Workers: ₹19,929 (from ₹19,279)
- Skilled Workers: ₹21,917 (from ₹21,215)
This increase in wages is expected to benefit over 10 lakh (1 million) workers in Delhi, ensuring they have additional income during the festive season. The Delhi government’s decision to revise the Dearness Allowance is based on inflationary trends, aiming to provide relief to workers from the rising cost of living.
Highlights of the Wage Hike:
- The DA increase is applicable to unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers across all sectors.
- The monthly increase ranges between ₹572 to ₹700, depending on the category of the worker.
- The hike will be implemented from October 1, 2024, and will be reflected in workers' salaries from that month onward.
Political Reactions and Context:
Opposition parties, including the BJP, have criticized the move, calling it a political gimmick ahead of elections. However, Atishi clarified that this decision is purely for the welfare of workers and has been a consistent policy of the Delhi government to periodically revise the minimum wages and allowances.
Enhanced Protection for Labor Force:
Labor Minister Raaj Kumar Anand, who accompanied CM Atishi during the announcement, stated that the Delhi government is committed to ensuring the welfare and protection of its workforce. He emphasized that the new DA increase, along with minimum wage hikes, demonstrates the government’s priority to uplift the economic status of its workers.
The Delhi government has also assured that other benefits such as health coverage, safety, and welfare programs will continue to be strengthened to support the labor community.
Summary:
- Dearness Allowance Hike: Approved by the Delhi government, providing a boost of ₹572-₹700 per month.
- Effective From: October 1, 2024.
- Beneficiaries: Over 10 lakh workers in Delhi.
- Current Minimum Wages: ₹18,066 (Unskilled), ₹19,929 (Semi-skilled), ₹21,917 (Skilled).
- Additional Announcements: Continued focus on health and safety measures for the workforce.
With this announcement, the Delhi government aims to ensure that workers have a better financial footing ahead of the festive season, setting an example for other states to follow.
