The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 entrusts both the Centre and states to set minimum wage levels in scheduled employments. Employers paying below the statutory rate risk penalties of ₹500 fine, imprisonment up to six months, or both.
Latest Minimum Wages in Delhi 2025 (Effective 1 April 2025)
| Class of Employment | Basic Wages Per Month | VDA Per Month | Total Wages Per Day | Total Wages Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unskilled | INR 14842.00 | INR 3614.00 | INR 710.00 | INR 18456.00 |
| Semi-skilled | INR 16341.00 | INR 4030.00 | INR 784.00 | INR 20371.00 |
| Skilled | INR 17991.00 | INR 4420.00 | INR 862.00 | INR 22411.00 |
| Clerical And Supervisory Staff (Non Matriculates) | INR 16341.00 | INR 4030.00 | INR 784.00 | INR 20371.00 |
| Clerical And Supervisory Staff (Matriculates But Not graduates) | INR 17991.00 | INR 4420.00 | INR 862.00 | INR 22411.00 |
| Clerical And Supervisory Staff (Graduates And Above) | INR 19572.00 | INR 4784.00 | INR 937.00 | INR 24356.00 |
In month-to-month terms, the rises are ₹390–₹520 across categories, meant to neutralize inflation and ease living costs.
Minimum Wages in Delhi Per Day
Here are the minimum wages in Delhi per day:
Class of Employment | Total Wages Per Day |
Unskilled | INR 710.00 |
Semi-skilled | INR 784.00 |
Skilled | INR 862.00 |
Clerical And Supervisory Staff (Non Matriculates)Â | INR 784.00Â |
Clerical And Supervisory Staff (Matriculates But Not graduates)Â | INR 862.00Â |
Clerical And Supervisory Staff (Graduates And Above)Â | INR 937.00Â |
Minimum Wages in Delhi Per Month
Here are the minimum wages in Delhi per month:
Class of Employment | Basic Wages Per Month |
Unskilled | INR 14842.00 |
Semi-skilled | INR 16341.00 |
Skilled | INR 17991.00 |
Clerical And Supervisory Staff (Non Matriculates)Â | INR 16341.00Â |
Clerical And Supervisory Staff (Matriculates But Not graduates)Â | INR 17991.00Â |
Clerical And Supervisory Staff (Graduates And Above)Â | INR 19572.00Â |
Minimum Wages in Delhi for Skilled Worker
A skilled labourer is someone who possesses in-depth knowledge of their trade and can perform their tasks efficiently. The table below shows the minimum wages applicable to skilled workers in Delhi.
Class of Employment | Basic Wages Per Month | VDA Per Month | Total Wages Per Day | Total Wages Per Month |
Skilled | INR 17991.00 | INR 4420.00 | INR 862.00 | INR 22411.00 |
Minimum Wages in Delhi for Unskilled Worker
An unskilled labourer typically performs basic tasks and does not have prior experience or specialized training. Semi-skilled workers, on the other hand, gain their abilities through hands-on experience and usually operate under the guidance of skilled personnel. The table below outlines the minimum wages for unskilled and semi-skilled labour in Delhi.
Class of Employment | Basic Wages Per Month | VDA Per Month | Total Wages Per Day | Total Wages Per Month |
Unskilled | INR 14842.00 | INR 3614.00 | INR 710.00 | INR 18456.00 |
Delhi’s Position Nationwide
With these rates, Delhi stands among the highest-paying states in India. The minister noted the hike affects over 4 million workers across public and private sectors, and compliance is strictly enforced.
A PTI/NIA statement echoed similar sentiments: wages are the top in the country and legally obligatory.
Compliance & Redressal
Workers paid less than the stipulated amount can lodge claims with the Joint or Deputy Labour Commissioner.
Inspectors can register court complaints under Section 19(iv), and authorities can impose penalties up to 10× the wage difference to compensate cheated workers.
Policy & Business Implications
Employers must budget for these higher wage bills and ensure statutory compliance to avoid legal penalties.
Workers & Unions should be encouraged to understand their rights and report violations.
Government & NGOs could run awareness campaigns, strengthen labour inspections, and streamline redressal.
Key Takeaways
From 1 April 2025, Delhi’s minimum monthly wage ranges between ₹18,456 and ₹24,356 based on skill levels.
Legal frameworks allow workers to report underpayment and secure back-wages through official channels.
However, informal sectors and certain frontline workers remain underpaid, highlighting a gap between policy and ground reality.
Greater enforcement, awareness, and inclusive wage reforms are needed to truly uplift Delhi’s vulnerable workforce.
Looking Ahead
Monitoring actual payment against mandated wages is essential but enforcement depends on active inspections and workers’ awareness.
Expanding the reach of labour laws to cover unorganized and gig workers remains critical.
Aligning MGNREGA wages and other central schemes with legal state minimums could help eliminate wage disparities.
Discussions around a National Living Wage (vs. minimum wage) suggest a higher statutory baseline tied to essential living costs
