Introduction
The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 was enacted to ensure that workers across various sectors receive fair and liveable wages. While it’s a central legislation, its implementation varies from state to state. For rapidly growing industrial and commercial zones like Gurugram in Delhi NCR, understanding the local nuances is crucial for both employers and employees.
Applicability in Gurugram & Delhi NCR
In Gurugram, which falls under Haryana, and the adjoining Delhi region, the Minimum Wages Act applies to a wide range of employment categories including:
- Unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled workers
- Contractual and outsourced labour
- Factory and construction workers
- Retail and hospitality staff
The Labour Departments of Haryana and Delhi periodically revise wage rates and notify businesses.
Updated Minimum Wage Rates (Effective April 1, 2025)
Haryana (Including Gurugram)
| Class of Employment | Qualification and Experience | VDA (Per Month) | Basic Minimum Wages (Per Month) | Total Per Month | Total Minimum Wages (Per Day) |
| Unskilled | NA | ₹255.36 | ₹11,017.76 | ₹11,257.12 | ₹432.97 |
| Semi Skilled Class A | — | ₹268.13 | ₹11,551.81 | ₹11,819.94 | ₹454.61 |
| Semi Skilled Class B | — | ₹281.53 | ₹12,129.38 | ₹12,410.91 | ₹477.34 |
| Skilled Class A | — | ₹295.61 | ₹12,735.86 | ₹13,031.47 | ₹501.21 |
| Skilled Class B | — | ₹310.39 | ₹13,372.67 | ₹13,683.06 | ₹526.27 |
| Highly Skilled | — | ₹325.91 | ₹14,041.30 | ₹14,367.21 | ₹552.59 |
| Clerical & General Staff (Below Matric) | — | ₹268.13 | ₹11,551.81 | ₹11,819.94 | ₹454.61 |
| Clerical & General Staff (Matric but not Graduate) | — | ₹281.53 | ₹12,129.38 | ₹12,410.91 | ₹477.34 |
| Clerical & General Staff (Graduate or Above) | — | ₹295.61 | ₹12,735.86 | ₹13,031.47 | ₹501.21 |
| Steno Typist | — | ₹281.53 | ₹12,129.38 | ₹12,410.91 | ₹477.34 |
| Junior Scale Stenographer | — | ₹295.61 | ₹12,735.86 | ₹13,031.47 | ₹501.21 |
| Senior Scale Stenographer | — | ₹310.39 | ₹13,372.67 | ₹13,683.06 | ₹526.27 |
| Personal Assistant | — | ₹325.91 | ₹14,041.30 | ₹14,367.21 | ₹552.59 |
| Private Secretary | — | ₹342.21 | ₹14,743.36 | ₹15,085.57 | ₹580.05 |
| Data Entry Operator | — | ₹295.61 | ₹12,735.86 | ₹13,031.47 | ₹501.21 |
| Driver (Light Vehicle) | — | ₹310.39 | ₹13,372.67 | ₹13,683.06 | ₹526.27 |
| Driver (Heavy Vehicle) | — | ₹325.91 | ₹14,041.30 | ₹14,367.21 | ₹552.59 |
| Security Guard (Without Weapon) | — | ₹268.13 | ₹11,551.81 | ₹11,819.94 | ₹454.61 |
| Security Guard (With Weapon) | — | ₹310.39 | ₹13,372.67 | ₹13,683.06 | ₹526.27 |
Delhi
| Class of Employment | Basic Wage (Per Month) | VDA (Per Month) | Total Minimum Wages (Per Month) | Daily Wages |
| Unskilled | ₹18,066 | ₹390 | ₹18,456 | ₹710 |
| Semi-skilled | ₹19,929 | ₹442 | ₹20,371 | ₹784 |
| Skilled | ₹21,917 | ₹494 | ₹22,411 | ₹862 |
| Non-matriculate (Clerical) | ₹19,929 | ₹442 | ₹20,371 | ₹784 |
| Matriculates (Clerical) | ₹21,927 | ₹494 | ₹22,411 | ₹862 |
| Graduates & Above (Clerical) | ₹23,836 | ₹520 | ₹24,356 | ₹937 |
Employer Responsibilities in Gurugram
Businesses operating in Gurugram must:
- Display wage rates at the workplace in Hindi and English.
- Pay wages before the 7th of each month.
- Maintain records of payments, hours worked, and employee classification.
- Avoid deductions that are not permitted by law.
- Ensure compliance during audits by the Labour Inspector.
Compliance & Penalties
Any employer who contravenes any provisions of the Act can face penalties:
- Fines up to INR 10,000
- Imprisonment up to 5 years.
- Recovery orders for unpaid wages
- Blacklisting of contractors or businesses for future government projects
- Additional compensation upto 10 times of the shortfall amount can be levied.
How to File a Complaint (For Workers)
If a worker is being underpaid or not paid on time, they can:
- Visit the Labour Commissioner Office in Gurugram
- Submit a written complaint along with payslips, ID proof, and job details
- Get support from local labour unions or legal aid services
Useful Link:Haryana Labour Department Portal
Relation with Code on Wages 2019
The Code on Wages, 2019 aims to consolidate laws including the Minimum Wages Act. Once fully implemented, it will:
- Introduce universal minimum wage for all sectors
- Enable centralized digital compliance
- Ensure gender-neutral and region-specific wage structures
Employers in Delhi NCR must start aligning their HR policies accordingly.
Penalties for the Non-compliance under the Code on Wages, 2019
Failure to pay wages: Fine up to INR 50,000 for the first offence.
Susequent violations: Fine up to INR 1,00,000 or imprisonment up to 3 months.
Obstructing an Inspector: Fine up to INR 20,000
The Minimum Wages Act 1948 plays a critical role in protecting the rights of workers and ensuring businesses operate fairly. In regions like Gurugram, where industrial and commercial activity is booming, compliance isn’t just about legality—it’s about reputation and sustainability.
Both employers and workers must stay informed, compliant, and empowered.
For updates, always check the latest notifications from the Haryana and Delhi Labour Departments.
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