The Government of Chandigarh has issued a notification revising the minimum rates of wages for employees across all sectors, effective from 1st April 2025 to 30th September 2025. This upward revision follows a 36-point increase in the Cost of Living Index (CPI), raising wages by ₹252 per month across all employee categories.
📈 Index Basis for Hike:
- Average Cost of Living Index (Oct 2024 – Mar 2025): 2221
- Previous Average Index (up to Sept 2024): 2185
- Increase in Index Points: 36
- Per Point Neutralization: ₹7
- Total Increase in Monthly Wages: ₹252
📊 Minimum Wages (Monthly & Daily) – All Sectors
| S.No. | Category | Old Monthly (₹) | Old Daily (₹) | New Monthly (₹) | New Daily (₹) |
| 1 | Unskilled | 14,142 | 544 | 14,394 | 554 |
| 2 | Semi-Skilled II | 14,292 | 550 | 14,544 | 559 |
| 3 | Semi-Skilled I | 14,392 | 554 | 14,644 | 563 |
| 4 | Skilled II | 14,592 | 561 | 14,844 | 571 |
| 5 | Skilled I | 14,817 | 570 | 15,069 | 580 |
| 6 | Highly Skilled | 15,217 | 585 | 15,469 | 595 |
| 7 | Class III (Staff) | 14,417 | 555 | 14,669 | 564 |
| 8 | Class II (Staff) | 14,567 | 560 | 14,819 | 570 |
| 9 | Class I (Staff) | 14,927 | 574 | 15,179 | 584 |
🏨 Minimum Wages (Hotels, Restaurants, Halwai Shops, Tea Stalls)
| Category | With Food & Lodging (₹/Month) | Without Food & Lodging (₹/Month) | Value of Food & Lodging (₹) |
| Unskilled | 12,595 | 14,394 | 1,799 |
| Semi-Skilled II | 12,726 | 14,544 | 1,818 |
| Semi-Skilled I | 12,813 | 14,644 | 1,831 |
| Skilled II | 12,988 | 14,844 | 1,856 |
| Skilled I | 13,235 | 15,069 | 1,834 |
| Highly Skilled | 13,535 | 15,469 | 1,934 |
| Class III (Staff) | 12,835 | 14,669 | 1,834 |
| Class II (Staff) | 12,967 | 14,819 | 1,852 |
| Class I (Staff) | 13,282 | 15,179 | 1,897 |
📚 Definitions of Key Employee Categories
- Unskilled: Engaged in manual labor (lifting, sweeping, guarding, packing, waterman, etc.)
- Semi-Skilled II: No formal education; has acquired skills through experience (plumber, helper, polisher, delivery man, etc.)
- Semi-Skilled I: Passed Intermediate; has 5+ years’ experience or drives heavy vehicles; includes cook, inspector, photographer, dispenser, etc.
- Skilled II: Technical certificate holders from recognized institutions (electrician, welder, fitter, machinist, etc.)
- Skilled I: Diploma or graduate professionals; includes marketing staff, chefs, technical supervisors, etc.
- Highly Skilled: Graduate engineers, professionals, officers without executive powers (e.g., foreman, senior technical roles)
- Class III Staff: Matriculate clerical/technical staff (clerks, assistants, steno-typists, radiologists, typists, storekeepers, etc.)
- Class II Staff: Graduates performing supervisory or technical work, including accountants, sales managers, office supervisors, etc.
- Class I Staff: Officers/Managers without executive powers; includes doctors, engineers, pharmacists, etc.
📜 Key Policy Notes:
- Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) are made every six months (March & September).
- Accommodation Deduction: If provided, employer can deduct ₹50/month.
- Adjustment ratio due to rise in CPI: 7 parts cash : 1 part food/tea.
- These rates are in accordance with the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
- Legal action can be initiated for non-compliance under applicable law.
⚠️ Employers’ Responsibility:
All employers operating in the Union Territory of Chandigarh are directed to implement the new wage rates strictly and display this notification prominently at all workplace