Chandigarh’s outsourced workforce received a welcome boost on Monday with the announcement of an almost 8 per cent hike in daily wages, or DC rates, for the financial year 2024-25. This decision, implemented by the deputy commissioner, is expected to benefit nearly 15,000 employees working across various government departments.
The revised rates, which come into effect on April 1, 2024, translate to a tangible increase for workers. For instance, an employee previously earning Rs 20,000 per month will now see their salary rise to Rs 21,600. Similarly, someone earning Rs 24,563 will see their income climb to Rs 25,791.
This move follows representations from government departments, boards, corporations, and employee unions. While the new rates are applicable for adoption by all Chandigarh administration offices, boards, corporations, and PSUs, individual entities will have the final say on implementing them. Establishments under central, Punjab, and Haryana governments or other offices within Chandigarh will also have the discretion to adopt these revised rates for their employees.
The announcement comes alongside another wage increase for workers in Chandigarh’s organised and unorganised sectors. The UT labour commissioner has also revised minimum wages, applicable under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, for the period April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
These decisions highlight the Chandigarh administration’s commitment to improving the lives of its workforce, both government-employed and those in the broader economic landscape.