The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (now subsumed into the Code on Wages, 2019) mandates that employers pay at least the minimum wage notified by the Central or State Government.
Types of Minimum Wages
- National Floor Wage — Set by the Central Government as the absolute minimum (currently ₹178/day)
- State minimum wages — Set by each state, must be above the national floor
- Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) — Revised twice a year to account for inflation
Who Is Covered?
The Code on Wages, 2019 extends coverage to all employees regardless of sector — agriculture, construction, domestic work, IT, and more.
Punishment for Non-Payment
- Imprisonment up to 5 years, or
- Fine up to ₹50,000, or both
How to Complain
- File a complaint with the Labour Commissioner
- Use the Shram Suvidha Portal (shramsuvidha.gov.in)
- Complaints can be filed online — no lawyer required
Your employer cannot ask you to “waive” your right to minimum wages — any such agreement is void in law.