The Government of Jharkhand has officially notified the revised minimum wage rates for workers across 90 scheduled employments (including 12 piece-rated sectors), with effect from April 1, 2025. The revision includes a 7% increase in the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rise from the previous average of 386 points (Jan–June 2023) to 413 points (July–Dec 2024).
This revision follows the recommendations of the Jharkhand Minimum Wage Advisory Board and applies across all three area categories — A, B, and C, classified by the level of urbanization and civic infrastructure.
📊 Key Highlights of the Notification
🔹 CPI-Based VDA Calculation
- Average CPI (July–Dec 2024): 143.55 (new series 2016=100)
- Converted to old series (2001=100): 413
- Previous CPI (Jan–June 2023): 386
- Increase: 27 points ≈ 7% VDA hike
🏙️ Area Classifications
| Category | Areas Covered |
| A | Major Municipal Corporations (Ranchi, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, etc.) |
| B | Other Municipal & Notified Areas |
| C | Rural and Non-municipal Areas |
💰 Revised Daily Minimum Wages (Effective 01.04.2025)
Category A Areas
| Skill Level | क Category | ख Category |
| Unskilled | ₹ 501 | ₹ 477 |
| Semi-skilled | ₹ 525 | ₹ 501 |
| Skilled | ₹ 692 | ₹ 659 |
| Highly Skilled | ₹ 798 | ₹ 761 |
Category B Areas
| Skill Level | क Category | ख Category |
| Unskilled | ₹ 477 | ₹ 455 |
| Semi-skilled | ₹ 501 | ₹ 477 |
| Skilled | ₹ 660 | ₹ 629 |
| Highly Skilled | ₹ 762 | ₹ 725 |
Category C Areas
| Skill Level | क Category | ख Category |
| Unskilled | ₹ 455 | ₹ 433 |
| Semi-skilled | ₹ 477 | ₹ 455 |
| Skilled | ₹ 629 | ₹ 599 |
| Highly Skilled | ₹ 725 | ₹ 691 |
📆 Monthly Minimum Wages (Category A)
| Skill Level | क Category | ख Category |
| Unskilled | ₹ 13,020 | ₹ 12,408 |
| Semi-skilled | ₹ 13,660 | ₹ 13,020 |
| Skilled | ₹ 18,000 | ₹ 17,137 |
| Highly Skilled | ₹ 20,754 | ₹ 19,780 |
(Monthly wage = Daily wage × 26)
📝 Important Notes
- Same Wages for Men & Women: Equal pay for equal work.
- No Reduction Even if CPI Falls: Minimum wage won’t decrease even if index drops.
- Rest Day Included: Daily wages include pay for the weekly rest day.
- Overtime Payment: Paid as per Rule-25 of Jharkhand Minimum Wages Rules, 1951.
- Rounding Off of VDA: As per Advisory Board consensus.
⚖️ Legal Backing
This notification has been issued under Section 3 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and the variable dearness allowance is in accordance with Section 4(1)(iii).
For employers, compliance with the revised rates is mandatory from April 1, 2025. Any failure to implement the revised wages can lead to legal penalties as prescribed under the Act.