The Gujarat Labour Department has published the minimum wage notification for the period from 1st October 2024 to 31st March 2025. The key highlight of this notification is the zero increment in the wage rates, meaning the same rates from April 2024 to September 2024 will continue. This provides both employers and workers with a stable wage structure for the next six months.

Worker Categories Defined

The minimum wages are classified based on the skill level of workers, as follows:

• Unskilled Workers: These employees perform tasks that involve simple duties, requiring little to no independent judgment. The tasks are typically manual and repetitive in nature.
• Semi-Skilled Workers: These workers perform tasks that are routine but require more defined skills than unskilled workers. While their jobs are repetitive, they may require basic knowledge or training.
• Skilled Workers: Skilled employees are capable of working efficiently with minimal supervision. Their roles involve exercising independent judgment and expertise in their field.
• Highly Skilled Workers: These workers are proficient in their trade and capable of supervising the work of other skilled workers, ensuring both quality and efficiency.

Zone Classification in Gujarat

The minimum wages are also divided based on geographical zones:

• Zone-I: This zone consists of all municipal corporations.
• Zone-II: This zone includes major municipalities with a population of over 1 lakh.

Revised Minimum Wage Rates (October 2024 to March 2025)

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the minimum wages applicable to different worker categories in Zone-I (within the municipality area) and Zone-II (outside the municipality area):

Zone-I (Within Municipality Area)

Zone-II (Outside Municipality Area)

What is Special Allowance (Dearness Allowance)?

The Special Allowance (DA), commonly known as Dearness Allowance, is an important component of the minimum wage structure. This allowance is designed to protect workers against inflation by adjusting wages according to rises in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

While the basic wage remains fixed, the DA fluctuates with changes in CPI. The notification clarifies that for the period from October 2024 to March 2025, the special allowance remains unchanged. It is mandatory for employers to pay this allowance in addition to the basic wage.

Alternatively, employers can choose to merge the special allowance with the basic wage, which would then ensure a consolidated wage structure.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in Gujarat are required to:

1. Pay the appropriate wage based on the worker’s skill level and the geographical zone.
2. Ensure compliance with the Special Allowance (DA) requirement.
3. Regularly update payroll systems to reflect any changes in wage structure.

Failure to comply with the minimum wage laws may lead to penalties under applicable labour regulations.

Stability in Wages: No Change in DA

The notification provides a stable wage structure for the next six months, ensuring that businesses and employees are not affected by any mid-period changes. The last basic wage revision took place on 28th March 2023, and the same rates, along with the unchanged special allowance, will continue to apply.

For employers, this consistency ensures smooth financial planning and helps maintain budget allocations for wage payments. For workers, it provides certainty in income, although no additional wage adjustments have been made to account for inflation.

Conclusion

The Gujarat government’s minimum wage notification for October 2024 to March 2025 provides clarity and consistency. With no changes in the Dearness Allowance, businesses can continue operations without worrying about wage fluctuations, and workers are guaranteed stable earnings for the next six months.

Employers and employees should remain compliant and informed about these regulations to ensure smooth operations and adherence to labour laws.

Stay Updated

For more information on minimum wage regulations and labour law updates, please visit our website at blog.pcsmgmt.com. Stay compliant and informed with the latest updates from the Gujarat Labour Department.