Govt notification on minimim wage faces flak

The new notification,issued by the state government on February 17 which stated that the minimum wages of workers fixed by the government will be the basic rate of wages,has come under fire from the industrial sector. According to industrialists,if the new notification — which came into being after amending the January 6,2012 notification — is followed,they will have to pay Rs 800-1,000 more to every worker.

P D Sharma,president of the Apex Chamber Commerce and Industry,said: “The matter is subjudice in the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court. Despite this,the state issued a new notification. This has confused the industry.”

Recently,the state government had revised minimum wages to Rs 4,200 per month.

D S Chawla,former president of United Cycles Parts and Manufacturers Association,said: “The industry is very clear about the minimum wages definition,however,the state seems to be confused. They must defer the new notification till the time the court gives its decision on this issue. This notification is against the Minimum Wages Act-1948.”