The Government of Bihar has officially revised the minimum wage structure for workers employed in 77 scheduled employments under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, effective April 1, 2025. This revision incorporates the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) component, linked to the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI) for the period July–December 2024.
🔹 Key Highlights:
- Effective Date: Revised VDA and total minimum wages are applicable from April 1, 2025.
- Applicable Workers: The changes affect 77 categories of employment, including domestic workers, outsourced workers, sales promotion staff, and sectors like sugar industry, hospitals, printing press, IT, garments, transport, and more.
- No Reduction Clause: Even if the AICPI index falls, minimum wages will not be reduced below the fixed baseline.
💼 Revised Daily Wages (Effective April 1, 2025):
| Category | Fixed Wage (₹) | VDA (₹) | Total Wage (₹) | Mode |
| Unskilled | 412.00 | 12.00 | ₹ 424.00 | Per day |
| Semi-skilled | 428.00 | 12.00 | ₹ 440.00 | Per day |
| Skilled | 521.00 | 15.00 | ₹ 536.00 | Per day |
| Highly Skilled | 636.00 | 18.00 | ₹ 654.00 | Per day |
| Clerical/Supervisory | 11780.00 | 332.00 | ₹ 12112.00 | Per month |
🧮 Wage Conversion Rules:
- Hourly wage (for domestic work) = Daily wage ÷ 8
- Monthly wage = Daily wage × 26
- Daily wages include rest day remuneration.
🔧 Overtime & Gender Parity:
- Overtime on rest days or holidays must be paid at twice the normal rate under Rule 25 of Bihar Minimum Wages Rules, 1951.
- Equal pay for male and female workers is mandatory for same or similar work.
🏭 Sectors Covered in the Notification:
The revised wages apply to workers across diverse sectors, such as:
- Industrial sectors: Aluminum, glass, soap, tanneries, electronics, IT, foundries, cement, rubber, etc.
- Service sectors: Hospitals, educational institutions, private security agencies, courier services, hotels, bakeries, etc.
- Traditional sectors: Tailoring, handlooms, khadi, fishery, pottery, etc.
- Others: Domestic workers, outsourced employees in government and sugar industries, shops, and construction.
📌 Final Note:
This step reflects the Bihar Government’s commitment to protecting workers’ livelihoods by linking wages to inflation while ensuring no downward revision. Employers across all sectors are mandated to comply with these new wage structures starting April 2025.