Bengaluru
-Madhuri Adnal
The Karnataka government has approved a 60% rise in minimum wages, sharply lifting pay levels for lakhs of workers in Bengaluru and the rest of the state. Revised monthly wages now span from ₹19,300 to ₹31,114, with the change aimed at improving basic income security.
According to the official notification, the revision applies to workers in 81 scheduled occupations, mainly in the unorganised segment and specified industries. The decision is designed to bring different categories of workers under a more uniform wage structure across Karnataka.
Karnataka’s government raised minimum wages by 60%, setting new monthly rates between ₹19,300 and ₹31,114 for lakhs of workers in 81 scheduled occupations, including specific rates for Bengaluru labourers and skilled workers, under a new consolidated notification.
Karnataka minimum wages revision across Bengaluru and state
In Bengaluru, labourers are now entitled to at least ₹23,376 per month, while skilled workers in the city will receive ₹31,114 per month. For other districts, revised minimum wages will range between ₹19,300 and ₹21,251 each month, depending on the occupation category notified.
The Labour Department has also scrapped the previous four-zone wage classification system. All scheduled employments are now covered through a single, consolidated notification for Karnataka minimum wages. Officials say this shift creates a clearer framework and reduces confusion for both employers and workers.
| Region / Category | Revised Karnataka minimum wages (per month) |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru labourers | ₹23,376 |
| Bengaluru skilled workers | ₹31,114 |
| Other parts of Karnataka | ₹19,300 – ₹21,251 |
Labour Minister Santosh Lad described the Karnataka minimum wages hike as a response to long-standing appeals from workers. In a post on X, Lad stated, “Our government has issued a notification increasing the minimum wages of workers by 60 per cent. Through this, our government has fulfilled a long-pending demand of the labouring community in the state.”
Lad added that the Karnataka minimum wages revision followed directions from the Supreme Court Bench. Lad said, “This notification will provide economic security to workers in the unorganised sector and other specified sectors across the state. While determining the minimum wages, the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court Bench have been followed in carrying out this revision.”
The minister said the overhaul of Karnataka minimum wages forms part of a structural change in the state’s labour framework. According to Lad, the move will directly benefit lakhs of workers, and the Labour Department’s decision had the backing of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Cabinet members and labour experts.
