Following significant worker demonstrations in Haryana earlier this month, the state government was compelled to increase the minimum wage. However, labor unions are now advocating for an additional wage hike, arguing that the current amount is substantially below what was previously agreed upon by a committee of labor representatives and industry leaders last year. They contend that the minimum wage fails to meet the nutritional needs of working adults in India.
The current minimum wage is set at Rs 23,196 per month. Below are key details regarding the discussions and calculations that led to the revised figure.
Jai Bhagwan, the general secretary of the Haryana branch of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), one of the principal labor organizations involved in the protests, informed The Indian Express that the State Minimum Wage Committee had unanimously proposed a minimum wage of Rs 23,196 on December 29, 2025. He noted that this recommendation was submitted to the state government for consideration.
Despite this, the Haryana government did not adopt the proposed figure when it announced updated minimum wage rates earlier this month, amid mass protests, particularly in Manesar, a hub for automobile manufacturing. Police arrested over 50 demonstrators, including women, during the protests.
On April 9, Haryana revised its minimum wage for the first time since October 2015. The basic monthly minimum wage for unskilled workers has now been adjusted to Rs 15,220.71, while highly skilled workers will receive Rs 19,942.85. The daily wage for contractual workers has been set at Rs 582.40 for unskilled positions and Rs 747.14 for those requiring advanced skills.
Bhagwan remarked that this increase falls short of the expectations held by workers.
In addition to the already low minimum wage, workers are facing increased financial pressures due to rising costs stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has caused shortages of gas cylinders for many. Bhagwan indicated that some workers are resorting to purchasing cylinders from the black market at inflated prices, and the costs of basic food items at their usual dining locations have also risen.
The committee’s calculation of the Rs 23,196 figure took into account the prices of essential nutrients and clothing over a month, as well as expenditures on rent, electricity, children’s education, and medical costs. The data used for this assessment was gathered from locations including Ambala, Bahadurgarh, Hissar, Panipat, Rewari, and Sonipat between April 24 and March 25, 2025.
Soumyarendra Barik serves as a Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, focusing on the intricate and evolving relationship between technology, policy, and society. With over five years of experience in news reporting, he plays a vital role in portraying how digital advancements affect the everyday lives of Indian citizens.
Barik’s reporting addresses various important areas, including:
- The Gig Economy: He provides extensive coverage of the rights and working conditions of gig workers in India.
- Tech Policy & Regulation: He analyzes policy measures that influence major technology companies and the wider digital landscape.
- Digital Rights: He reports on issues related to data privacy, internet freedom, and the existing digital divide in India.
Known for his immersive and data-centric reporting style, Barik often engages in on-ground investigations. A notable instance of his dedication to authentic storytelling involved accompanying a food delivery worker for over 12 hours to quantify the low earnings and physical demands of the job, offering a factual, grassroots perspective that is frequently overlooked in technology journalism.
Outside of his journalistic pursuits, Soumyarendra is passionate about horology (the study of watches), closely follows Formula 1 racing, and is a devoted football enthusiast.
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