The Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) has called upon the Nagaland State Government to review and revise the minimum wages for workers, stating the pressing need to address the economic challenges faced by employees due to rising inflation over the past five years.
Under the Minimum Wages Act of 1948, the NSHRC said, it is mandatory for both Central and state governments to periodically fix, review, and revise minimum wages. In line with this, Nagaland last revised its wages in 2019 and the structures were as follows: Unskilled – Rs. 176 per day; Semi-skilled – Rs. 210 per day; and Skilled – Rs. 235 per day.
However, the NHSRC noted that since the last revision, the wages of the employees/workers under the State Government have not been reviewed or revised.
“With the rise in the inflationary rate during the past 5 years it is difficult to imagine how the employees/workers of the State Government would manage both ends to meet with the present wages they are given,” stated the Commission.
The Commission pointed out that failure to revise wages equates to exploitation and a denial of the right to live with dignity, contrary to the principles of a democratic and welfare state. Comparatively, the commission pointed out that neighboring states such as Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh have revised their minimum wages.
Additionally, the commission said that the Central Government’s provision of Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), linked to the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers and revised twice a year, is followed by 26 states and Union Territories, including Assam and Meghalaya.
“This VDA is revised periodically twice a year to absorb the pressure of inflation on the minimum wages paid to the employees/workers,” the Commission added.
The Commission highlighted that workers earning minimum wages belong to the lowest socio-economic strata and rely on these wages for survival.
“They are people who have no choice but, work as such, just to manage their survival. Therefore, the welfare state which is also a model employer is expected to be the first to come to their rescue or help so that their basic needs or right to life are not denied,” it continued.
The Commission maintained that failure to do so could violate constitutional protections against forced labor and the right to equality and life and may also amount to Forced Labor.
Considering these factors, the Commission recommended that the Nagaland Government review and revise the wages of its employees within the next two to three months.
“The respondents shall take the required steps so that the State Government may consider and take the decision deemed just and fair,” the Commission said adding that they expect the Chief Secretary of the State to communicate to this Commission, on the action(s) taken, within a period of one month from today.