BalochistanLabour LawsMinimum WageMinimum Wages of Rs. 20,000/= p.m. declared by the Govt. of Balochistan

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Date: 09-10-2021

Circular Number: C-194

Minimum Wages of Rs. 20,000/= p.m. declared by the Govt. of Balochistan

The Balochistan Government has issued the Notification dated 05-10-2021 under the Balochistan Minimum Wages Act, 2021. The Notification has been issued under Section 6 (1) (a) of the Balochistan Minimum Wages Act, 2021. Our comments on it are given as under:-

1. The minimum wage of adult unskilled workers (male, female and juvenile workers) employed in all industrial undertakings in the Baluchistan has been declared under the Balochistan Minimum Wages Act, 2021 at the rate of Rs. 20,000/=
   per month
   or Rs. 769.23/= per day for daily 08 working hours w.e.f. 01-07-2021. Arrears have to be paid from July, 2021 till fixing the wage as per the Notification.
   

2. The daily wage declared is 1/26^th of the monthly wage which includes the element of wages of the weekly day offs in it and, therefore, no separate payment is required to be made for weekly day offs.
   

• Please note that the minimum wage declared is inclusive of the basic wage and all regular statutory and non-statutory allowances whatsoever.
  

• If the wages of any unskilled worker or juvenile worker paid is already more than the minimum wage, it cannot be reduced.
  

• The daily minimum wage for piece rated workers would be 1/26^th of the monthly minimum wage amounting to Rs. 769.23/= per day or not less than Rs.96/= per hour which proportionately includes element of minimum wage for weekly holiday in it and, therefore, no separate payment for weekly off day would be required. Overtime, daily/weekly working hours, weekly rest days, work on weekly holidays, etc shall be governed by relevant provisions of the Balochistan Factories Act, 2021 and Balochistan Minimum Wages Act, 2021 and other relevant labour laws.
  
• The minimum wage would apply to the permanent, temporary, whole time, monthly rated, daily rated and piece rated unskilled workers and if their wages are above this minimum rate of wage, the same cannot be reduced. They shall continue to enjoy existing other benefits given to them and the same shall not be adjusted against this minimum wage.
  
• The workers shall continue to enjoy such facilities as house rent allowance or free house, electricity, water, conveyance, free medical aid, gratuity, bonus, pension, any form of insurance, provident fund, recreation, subsidized food, education, holidays and leave with pay, attendance allowance, and any other benefit already provided by the employer. No variable or incentive allowance (non-statutory) or value of welfare facilities as mentioned therein shall be adjusted against this minimum wage.
  
• The above may be carefully read along-with the said Notification to further understand the matter. In case of any doubt, you may consult your labour laws consultant.
  

For M/s S. M. Yaqoob