In a major relief to workers across Telangana, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced a significant hike in minimum wages benefiting around 1.11 crore labourers in the state. The revised wages will come into effect from June 1.
The announcement was made during a media interaction at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Secretariat, in the presence of Labour Minister Vivek Venkatswamy and other public representatives.
The government has categorized workers into four groups — Unskilled, Semi-Skilled, Skilled, and Highly Skilled — and revised wages accordingly. Additionally, the earlier two-zone system (urban and rural) has been restructured into three zones: Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Rural Areas.
As per the new wage structure:
- Unskilled workers: ₹12,750 → ₹16,000
- Semi-Skilled workers: ₹13,592 → ₹17,000
- Skilled workers: ₹13,772 → ₹18,500
- Highly Skilled workers: ₹14,607 → ₹20,000
The Chief Minister stated that no wage revision was undertaken by the previous government after the formation of Telangana, resulting in losses to workers.
He recalled that after assuming office, the government formed a ministerial sub-committee under Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka to review the long-pending wage revision issue.
After consultations with labour unions, industry representatives, and stakeholders, the government finalized the wage hike, considering inflation, rising cost of living, and rent.
The Chief Minister termed this as a historic step for worker welfare since the formation of Telangana.
He also highlighted that there is a growing demand for skilled labour in several countries. The government is planning to provide training and facilitate overseas employment opportunities, especially in Gulf and West Asian countries, while cautioning workers against fraudulent agents.
The government is also coordinating with international companies to ensure proper placement of trained workers abroad.
Reaffirming its commitment, the government stated that it will continue to safeguard workers’ interests and bring more welfare measures soon.
Additionally, the Chief Minister noted that the government is supporting families of workers who died in Gulf countries by ensuring repatriation of bodies and providing ₹5 lakh compensation.
