Punjab govt raises minimum wage to Rs40000

The provincial government of Punjab has officially increased the minimum wage for workers to Rs40000 per month, according to a notification issued by the Labour and Human Resource Department on Tuesday.

The revised rate applies to 26 working days in a month, ensuring better protection for workers’ rights and incomes. According to the notification, the daily wage has been fixed at Rs1538.46 for an eight-hour working day, while the hourly rate has been set at Rs192.31. These changes aim to provide clarity on wage structures and prevent exploitation in the workplace.

In addition, the government has allowed employers to deduct certain allowances with the worker’s mutual consent. These include Rs100 per meal for food, Rs1800 per month for transport, and Rs2000 per month for housing. However, officials stressed that these deductions cannot be imposed unilaterally and must be agreed upon by the employee.

Furthermore, the notification emphasizes that if workers are already receiving higher wages, employers cannot reduce them under the new rules. Instead, employers are free to pay more wages based on skill, experience, or performance, which could encourage fair competition and reward productivity. Importantly, the government has also underlined the principle of equal pay.

Through this step, the government aims to safeguard workers, improve living standards, and strengthen the labor framework. As wages rise, both employees and employers are expected to benefit from greater transparency and fairness in workplace practices.