Starting April 1, 2025, the Government of Jharkhand is rolling out revised minimum wage rates for all categories of workers. If you’re a business owner, employee, or HR professional, it’s important to understand what’s changing and why this matters. This move is aimed at ensuring fair pay aligned with the current economic conditions.
Area-Wise Classification
The Jharkhand revised minimum wage notification classifies all regions in the state into three categories:
- A Category: Large cities and industrial hubs like Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Mango, and Hazaribagh.
- B Category: Mid-size municipalities and civic areas not listed in the A category.
- C Category: Rural or semi-urban regions outside of major municipalities.
This classification helps determine appropriate wage levels based on the economic profile of each area.
Revised Daily Wage Rates (No Table Needed)
Wage rates vary depending on the skill level of the worker — Unskilled, Semi-Skilled, Skilled, or Highly Skilled — and the area category.
For example:
- An Unskilled worker in a C Category area will now earn ₹455 per day.
- A Skilled worker in a B Category city will receive ₹660 per day.
- A Highly Skilled worker in an A Category city like Ranchi will earn ₹798 per day.
These daily rates have been calculated to reflect both local living costs and inflation.
What About Monthly Wages?
The monthly wages under the Jharkhand revised minimum wage have also been revised. These are calculated using a standard multiplier of 26 working days.
Some key examples:
- A Highly Skilled employee in an A Category city will now earn ₹20,754 per month.
- A Skilled worker in a B Category location will receive around ₹17,165 per month.
- A Semi-Skilled worker in a rural (C Category) region will earn approximately ₹12,408 per month.
This monthly format is especially relevant for employers using fixed payroll systems.
Wage Components Explained
Each wage structure includes two parts:
- Basic Wage – A fixed amount set according to job role and location.
- Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) – This fluctuates based on cost-of-living adjustments and is calculated using the Consumer Price Index.
This format ensures that workers are protected against rising inflation while maintaining base wage security.
What the Law Says
The Jharkhand revised minimum wage structure also reinforces key worker rights:
- Employers must include rest day payments within the total wage.
- Men and women must receive equal pay for equal work.
- Overtime pay is mandatory for work done on rest days.
- All categories of workers — permanent, contractual, or temporary — are eligible under the revised wage norms.
FAQs About the Jharkhand Revised Minimum Wage
1. Who is eligible under this new wage structure?
Every worker employed in Jharkhand — regardless of contract type — is eligible if they fall under scheduled employment.
2. How often is the Variable Dearness Allowance updated?
The VDA is updated periodically based on inflation data, typically using the Consumer Price Index from the preceding months.
3. What if an employer fails to comply?
Non-compliance is considered a legal violation and can be reported to the Labour Commissioner’s Office.
4. How do I know my area’s wage category?
Your HR team or local administration can clarify if your workplace falls under A, B, or C category.
Final Takeaway
The Jharkhand revised minimum wage is a much-needed update that considers current inflation and regional disparities in cost of living. It ensures workers are paid fairly, and employers remain compliant with labor laws. Whether you’re a skilled technician in a metro or a helper in a rural area, this new wage policy promises greater financial protection.
If you’re an HR leader or business owner, now’s the time to adjust your payroll and inform your team. For workers, it’s your right to know and receive what you’re entitled to.
Fair wages aren’t just a number — they’re a step toward dignity at work.
Download Notification