Guwahati: The Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) has issued a stern call to the state government to urgently review and revise the minimum wages for workers.
Citing the relentless surge in inflation over the past five years, the commission emphasized the dire economic plight of employees struggling to make ends meet with stagnant salaries.
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Under the Minimum Wages Act of 1948, both the central and state governments are mandated to periodically assess and adjust minimum wages. However, Nagaland’s last wage revision in 2019 has left workers grappling with the rising cost of living.
Currently, unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers in the state earn Rs. 176, Rs. 210, and Rs. 235 per day, respectively.
The NSHRC asserted that the failure to update wages equates to exploitation and a blatant disregard for the dignity of labor. In contrast, neighboring states like Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh have implemented wage revisions.
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Moreover, the commission noted that the Central Government’s system of Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), linked to inflation and adjusted twice yearly, is adopted by 26 states and union territories, including Assam and Meghalaya.
Highlighting the vulnerability of minimum wage earners, the commission stressed that these workers form the bedrock of the socio-economic ladder and rely solely on their wages for survival. The commission warned that the state’s inaction could lead to forced labor, a grave violation of constitutional rights.
To address this pressing issue, the NSHRC has recommended that the Nagaland government undertake a comprehensive wage revision within the next two to three months.
The commission expects a detailed response from the Chief Secretary within a month, outlining the steps taken to rectify the situation.