Chandigarh: In a significant move to bolster the welfare of the working class, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a 15 per cent increase in minimum wages during an address to the State Assembly in Chandigarh on Friday. The announcement coincided with International Labour Day, serving as a tribute to the labourers whose dedication forms the backbone of the provincial economy. This decision is expected to provide immediate financial relief to thousands of workers across various sectors in the province, reflecting the administration’s commitment to social justice and the dignity of labour.
Addressing the House, the Chief Minister emphasized that the prosperity of Punjab is inextricably linked to the well-being of its workforce. He noted that the wage revision was a necessary step to help labourers keep pace with the rising cost of living and to ensure they receive a fair share of the state’s progress. By choosing the symbolic occasion of May Day for this declaration, the government aimed to send a clear message that the rights and livelihoods of the common man remain a top priority in the legislative agenda.
The 15 per cent hike marks one of the more substantial adjustments to the minimum wage structure in recent years, highlighting a shift toward more inclusive economic policies. During his speech, Mann reiterated that a “Rangla Punjab” can only be built when the most vulnerable members of society are empowered and economically secure. This policy intervention is anticipated to not only enhance the purchasing power of the rural and urban workforce but also foster a more motivated and stable labour environment throughout the region.
