Delhi government hikes minimum wages for workers
What's the story
The Delhi government has announced an increase in the minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers. The new monthly wages have been set at ₹18,066, ₹19,929 and ₹21,917 respectively. This decision was announced by Chief Minister Atishi during a press conference on Wednesday. Unskilled workers currently receive ₹17,494, semi-skilled workers receive ₹19,279, and skilled workers receive ₹21,215 monthly.
Political critique
Atishi criticizes BJP's stance on minimum wages
During the press conference, Atishi criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), labeling it as "anti-poor." She drew comparisons between the minimum labor wages in other states and those set by her government. "Arvind Kejriwal's government has given the highest minimum wages in the country. BJP has always worked against the poor," she said.
Wage obstruction
Atishi accuses BJP of hindering wage increase efforts
Atishi further accused the BJP of attempting to block previous efforts by the Delhi government to raise minimum wages in 2016-17. "When the Delhi Government...talked about increasing minimum wages, BJP stopped us. After which...we brought an order from the court to increase the minimum wage," she said. She claimed that despite strong opposition from the BJP, Kejriwal's government fought for and secured a decision favoring Delhi's common people.
Wage disparity
Atishi highlights wage disparity in BJP-ruled states
The CM also highlighted the wage disparity in BJP-ruled states, stating that their minimum wages are significantly lower than those in Delhi. "If you look at the minimum wages in BJP-ruled state government they are far less than of Delhi, the minimum wage is probably half of what it is in Delhi," she said. She accused the BJP of not only offering lower wages but also actively trying to prevent wage increases in Delhi.