The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the long-pending wage rationalisation for daily wagers, part-time and need-based workers engaged by the Union Territory administration.
The administration has ordered implementation of wages in accordance with the Government of India’s Minimum Wages Act. Under the revised framework, workers will be classified as ‘skilled’ and ‘unskilled’. Skilled workers will receive Rs 575 per day, while unskilled workers will get Rs 450 per day. Payments will be calculated on a pro-rata basis depending on working hours and nature of duties.
Thousands of workers, many of whom had been earning between Rs 300 and Rs 500 per month for years, are expected to benefit from the decision. Several of them have reportedly been serving for over a decade on meagre wages.
Officials said the move would significantly improve the earnings of workers employed as sweepers, gardeners and cleaners across the Union Territory. The beneficiaries include both locals and migrant workers who had long been affected by wage disparities.
The decision follows repeated representations made to the Lieutenant Governor by workers from various departments seeking implementation of minimum wages. The administration has directed departments to verify workers engaged after March 17, 2015, and ensure transparent and uniform wage rationalisation.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that different departments had engaged workers at varying remuneration levels over the years, leading to major disparities.
“UT Administration is fully committed to ensuring fair and dignified wages for all workers. Daily wagers, seasonal and part-time workers play a crucial role in strengthening public services and development activities across Ladakh, especially in remote regions. Every worker deserves fair compensation,” the L-G said.
Departments have been asked to verify engagement details, work nature, duty hours and Aadhaar-linked bank accounts within 20 days. Wages will be paid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The administration clarified that the exercise is limited to wage rationalisation and does not imply regularisation of services.
