New Delhi: In a major boost to workers in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has announced an increase in the minimum wage, just ahead of the festive season. Chief Minister Atishi shared the good news, noting that the minimum wage for unskilled workers has been increased from ₹7,722 in 2013 to ₹18,066 today. Additionally, the minimum wage for semi-skilled labour has been raised to ₹19,929, while skilled workers will now receive a minimum wage of ₹21,917.
Chief Minister Atishi highlighted the progress made under the leadership of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal over the last decade. She emphasised that the Delhi government has consistently worked to improve the livelihoods of workers, raising their minimum wages significantly over time.
Reflecting on past hurdles, Atishi recalled that in 2017, the Delhi government’s proposal to increase the minimum wage faced strong opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The proposal was blocked by the Lieutenant Governor at the time, which forced the government to seek intervention from the court. After a legal battle, the minimum wage increase was implemented, setting a new standard for worker welfare in the city.
In a scathing remark, Atishi accused the BJP of being anti-poor, stating that the party has consistently opposed minimum wage increases, not just in Delhi but wherever they are in power. She pointed out that while government employees benefit from two annual adjustments to their dearness allowance (DA), the BJP has prevented similar wage hikes for Delhi’s workers.
Alongside this announcement, the AAP government is preparing to introduce its ambitious Chief Minister Mahila Samman Yojana, which would grant ₹1,000 per month to women in Delhi. The proposal is expected to be finalised after the Haryana elections, with officials confirming that much of the paperwork has already been completed.
Once the scheme is fully drafted, it will be sent to key departments, including finance, law, and revenue, for review before heading to the cabinet for final approval. The plan will then require the green light from the Lieutenant Governor. The scheme was initially proposed by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who had promised this financial assistance to women following his release from jail.
Since Kejriwal’s resignation, the Atishi-led government has accelerated efforts to implement the scheme. Women and Child Development Minister Kailash Gahlot confirmed that the formalities to offer ₹1,000 to women over the age of 18 are nearly complete, and the proposal will soon be presented to the cabinet for approval.
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