Punjab Minimum Wages Notification (Effective May 1, 2026)
The Punjab Government Labour Department has officially revised the minimum wage rates for all employments across the state. This notification (No. Labour-Lab0MIWA/1/2021-4L/166) comes into force starting May 1, 2026. These rates ensure fair compensation for workers across various skill levels and staff categories.
Table of Contents
1. Minimum Wages by Worker Skill Level
The basic minimum rates of wages for workers in Punjab have been updated as follows:
| Categories of Workers | Per Month (Rs.) | Per Day (Rs.) | Per Hour (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unskilled | 13486 | 518.69 | 64.83 |
| Semi-Skilled | 14383 | 553.19 | 69.14 |
| Skilled | 15414 | 592.84 | 74.10 |
| Highly-Skilled | 16601 | 638.50 | 79.81 |
Refer to file: 20260502_061359.jpg for official worker data.
2. Minimum Wages by Staff Category
Staff members are categorized based on their educational qualifications and job roles:
| Staff Wise Category | Per Month (Rs.) | Per Day (Rs.) | Per Hour (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Category-A (Post Graduate/MBA/Professional) | 19431 | 747.34 | 93.41 |
| Staff Category-B (Graduate/Diploma) | 17510 | 673.46 | 84.18 |
| Staff Category-C (Matriculate/Data Entry/Sales) | 15786 | 607.15 | 75.89 |
| Staff Category-D (Class-IV/Contract/Casual) | 14406 | 554.07 | 69.25 |
3. Agriculture Labour Wages
For Attached Labour in Agriculture (Unskilled), the rates are consolidated as follows:
- Yearly Rate (with meals/food grains): Rs. 90973.28
- Daily Rate (with meals): Rs. 486.588
- Daily Rate (without meals): Rs. 540.983
4. Compliance and Key Rules
- Gender Equality: There is no wage difference between men, women, transgender, and disabled employees for similar work.
- Working Hours: These rates are strictly based on a standard 8-hour working day.
- Weekly Rest: Daily wage rates are inclusive of the wage for the weekly or substituted rest day.
- Contract Labour: These rates apply equally to workers hired through contractors or outsourcing agencies.
- Trainees: Trainees may be paid 75% of the minimum wage for their category during the first six months of training.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, the notification applies to all employments, establishments, and factories within the State of Punjab as defined under the Code on Wages, 2019.
For specific sectors like Hotels or Households, if two meals, tea, and lodging are provided, the wage can be up to 30% less than the standard rate for that category.
