Punjab Increases Wages for Daily Wage Workers
The Punjab government has officially announced a raise in daily wages for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers across the province. The new rates, issued through a formal notification by the Assistant Commissioner (HR), aim to ensure fair compensation and bring uniformity to labor payments across Punjab.
This increase is part of the provincial administration’s ongoing effort to align worker wages with inflation and enhance the living standards of laborers employed in both public and private sectors.
Revised Pay Structure Across Skill Levels
Under the new wage structure, the government has revised the daily and monthly pay rates for different categories of workers:
- Skilled Workers: Rs. 1,975 per day or Rs. 45,945 per month
- Semi-Skilled Workers: Rs. 1,558 per day or Rs. 43,108 per month
- Unskilled Workers: Rs. 1,538 per day or Rs. 40,000 per month
These new rates are effective immediately and apply to all laborers working under government departments, contractors, and industrial units within the province.
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Minimum Wage Confirmed at Rs. 40,000 per Month
Just last month, the Punjab Labor and Human Resource Department officially confirmed that the minimum wage for all workers employed in industrial and commercial establishments has been set at Rs. 40,000 per month for 26 working days.
According to the same notification, this translates to a daily wage rate of Rs. 1,538.46 and an hourly wage of Rs. 192.31 for an 8-hour workday.
The latest announcement aligns with that structure, ensuring consistency across categories and preventing exploitation of lower-income workers.
Allowances and Deductions Under New Policy
The government has also clarified the allowances and permissible deductions that employers may apply — but only through mutual consent between worker and employer.
These include:
- Meal Allowance: Rs. 100 per meal
- Transport Allowance: Rs. 1,800 per month
- Accommodation Allowance: Rs. 2,000 per month
Employers are not permitted to make any unauthorized deductions beyond these specified categories. The policy ensures transparency in wage calculations and protects workers from unfair deductions or wage cuts.
Higher Earners to Remain Unaffected
The notification clearly states that workers already earning higher wages will not face any reduction under the new system. Employers are encouraged to continue rewarding experienced or highly skilled workers with pay above the new minimum thresholds.
This clause was added to protect high-performing employees and maintain motivation within the workforce, while ensuring that entry-level and unskilled laborers still receive fair and competitive compensation.
Ensuring Compliance and Worker Welfare
Officials have emphasized that strict monitoring and enforcement will be implemented through district labor offices to ensure compliance with the updated wage structure. Inspections and random audits may be carried out to verify that both government and private employers are adhering to the new wage laws.
The move comes at a time when inflation has significantly increased the cost of living, and workers across Pakistan have been demanding wage adjustments to reflect economic realities.
By raising the minimum and daily wage rates, the Punjab government aims to strengthen worker welfare, reduce inequality, and encourage productivity and job satisfaction.
Conclusion
The decision by the Punjab government to increase wages for daily wage workers marks a major step toward labor empowerment and fair pay in the province.
With skilled workers now earning up to Rs. 45,945 per month and unskilled laborers guaranteed Rs. 40,000, this policy ensures a fairer and more balanced wage system.
By prioritizing worker welfare, Punjab sets a strong example for other provinces to follow — promoting both economic justice and social stability in Pakistan’s labor market.
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