Government Raises Minimum Wage for Workers to NPR 17,300 per Month
In a significant move, the government has elevated the minimum wage for workers to NPR 17,300 on a monthly basis.
Under the provisions of the Labor Act 2074, the Ministry of Labour, Employment, and Social Security has announced an increase in the minimum wage for workers, effective from the 1st of Shrawan 2080. The ministry's decision was officially gazetted on Thursday.
According to the ministry's announcement, the monthly wage for workers, excluding those employed in tea plantations, has now been raised to NPR 17,300. This marks a notable increase from the earlier minimum wage of NPR 15,000.
The revised compensation structure consists of a basic salary of NPR 10,820, coupled with a dearness allowance that has been augmented to NPR 17,300 from the previous amount of NPR 6,480. Previously, the basic salary stood at NPR 9,385, and the dearness allowance was NPR 5,615.
Furthermore, the ministry highlights that the daily wage for workers has now been enhanced to NPR 668, up from the previous amount of NPR 577. For part-time workers, the minimum wage per hour has been elevated to NPR 95, as opposed to the earlier sum of NPR 77. These wage adjustments follow the government's earlier wage fixation in 2078.
For workers engaged in tea plantations, the monthly remuneration has risen to NPR 13,893, surpassing the previous amount of NPR 12,081. Correspondingly, their daily wages have ascended to NPR 500, an increase from the earlier sum of NPR 435.
Tea plantation workers will now earn NPR 66 per hour, up from the previous rate of NPR 57 per hour.
In addition to the revised wages, workers will be entitled to benefits outlined in the Social Security Act, including provisions stipulated in their labor contracts, appointment letters, savings funds, and gratuity. Even local levels of government must adhere to the minimum wage guidelines specified in this notice.
The Ministry asserts that no employment contracts can be agreed upon if they establish a minimum wage lower than the amount stipulated in this directive.
