Centre increases MGNREGA wages by 3-10%. Haryana highest at Rs 374 per day, Arunachal lowest
Issue of low wages was pointed out by Parliamentary panel in a report tabled in February. It demanded increase in wages to engage more workers and to bring uniformity across states. Key Points
ThePrintSince 2014, the poorest communities are earning less
Wage data collected by the Centre for Labour Research and Action reveal a steady decline in real wages of brick-kiln workers in the last 10 years. Brick-kiln work is a fallback occupation for some of India’s poorest groups. Key Points
The Indian ExpressIndia plans to shift from minimum wage to living wage by 2025
Living wages – a minimum income necessary for a worker to meet their basic needs, factoring in key social expenditure by an individual such as housing, food, healthcare, education and clothing – were endorsed by the ILO earlier this month. These would be higher than basic minimum wages. “We could go beyond minimum wages in a year,” a senior govt official told ET. Key Points
Economic TimesWill pay 2.1 million Nrega workers soon: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced that her government will clear the dues of 2.1 million workers under MGNREGA by February 21. The MGNREGA dues in the state amount to Rs 6,913 crore. Banerjee led a protest against the central government's delay in releasing wages and financial help under MGNREGA and PM Awas Yojana scheme. She assured that the wages of 21 lakh workers will be transferred to their bank accounts by February 21. Banerjee also mentioned planning for the prospective beneficiaries of the PM Awas Yojana scheme after the budget session. Key Points
Economic TimesMGNREGS wages raised by up to 10.4% for FY24
In absolute terms, the daily wages have been raised in the ₹7-26 range, according to a notification by the rural development ministry. The increase assumes significance, as the MGNREGS rates serve as the benchmark for rural wages and influence the rise in industrial wages as well. Key Points
Economic Times
Post-Covid, women get lower pay hikes
An ET analysis found that between 2017-18 (July-June) and 2021-22 (July-June), the annual growth rate of women's wages at 4.5% in urban areas was lower than that of men, which was 5.2%. In rural areas, wages for men increased 4.9%, compared with 4.6% for women. Key Points
Economic TimesHow have Indians at large fared under this government?
While we have no survey data on incomes since 2011-12, multiple sources suggest a decline or deceleration in what working Indians earned in the last five years. These grim readings may be at variance with claims made in the budget speech but mass distress warrants attention. Key Points
mintFocus on gig workers isn't enough. New report paints bleak picture of India's wage labourers
Policy neglect, uncertain job market, and increased contractualisation are making labourers' economic condition worse. Inflation is negating purchasing power too. Key Points
ThePrintBelow-expectation inflation may boost growth by hiking real wages: Ind-Ra
The economists said a percentage point increase in real wages leads to a rise in GDP by 0.64 percentage point. So, if inflation were to fall from 5.3% (current projection for Ind-Ra) to 4.5% in FY24, it could lead to real wage rising to 4.4% from 3.6% and GDP growth settling at 6.4% compared to projected 5.9%. Key Points
Economic TimesRural-urban wage gap narrows in manufacturing; greater mobility, MNREGA factors
Greater mobility, higher payouts under NREGS, and lower urban wage elasticity are bringing parity between urban and rural manufacturing units. The gap between rural and urban wage growth has widened post-pandemic. The relative stickiness of urban wages with regard to profits may be a factor in the narrowing of the gap. Key Points
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Amazon's logistics workers in Spain plan Cyber Monday walk-outs
Spanish union CCOO on Monday called on 20,000 warehouse and delivery workers at Amazon's (AMZN.O) local unit to stage a one-hour strike on each shift on Nov. 27, a date known by retailers as 'Cyber Monday', and the same on the following day to demand better wages and working conditions. Key Points
ReutersAssam government on Monday announced that the daily wages of tea garden workers is increased by Rs 18
Medical bills under the scheme shall be reimbursed at rates equivalent to that of Central Government Health Schemes (CGHS) and these shall be credited directly towards the accounts of the claimant employees within a stipulated time-frame. The option of cashless payment shall also be introduced in phases. Key Points
Economic TimesGovt panel suggests sharp hike in NREGS wage rates, budgetary outlay
A high-level government panel, tasked with recommending changes to make the rural job guarantee scheme more effective, has called for a significant increase in the extant wage rates--over and above the recent annual hike--and the budgetary allocation for the programme. The report was submitted with the rural development ministry in July and is yet to be made public. Key Points
Economic TimesDelhi govt hikes minimum wages of workers in unorganised sector
According to the new rates, the monthly wage of skilled workers has been increased from Rs 20,357 to Rs 20,903, a hike of Rs 546. The monthly salary of semi-skilled workers has been increased by Rs 494 per month from Rs 18,499 to Rs 18,993. There will a monthly raise of Rs 442 in the minimum wages of unskilled workers, from Rs 16,792 to Rs 17,234. Key Points
Economic TimesAdditional contribution of 1.16% for higher pension to be drawn from employers' payout
Additional contribution of 1.16% of basic wages for subscribers opting for higher pension will be managed from employers’ contributions to social security schemes run by retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO.) Key Points
The Hindu
MGNREGS wage hike just, based on Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labour: Govt source
MGNREGS wage hike based on CPI-AL at 7.7%. New rates announced by Rural Development Ministry. Gujarat, MP, Andhra Pradesh see higher increases. West Bengal wages above many. Congress criticizes rates below Shramik NYAY guarantees. Key Points
Economic TimesThe British are coming for your white-collar job
American businesses are sending all types of work across the Atlantic, drawn by depressed U.K. salaries, tax incentives and a weak currency. Key Points
mintView: The one thing that can slow AI's breakneck speed
Promoters of AI sell hope and assurance like previous revolutions. AI may make labor functions redundant, lead to reduced work hours, and render developers/champions unnecessary. Investments in human-like robots and hiring freezes indicate a possible future of RHRP. Key Points
The Economic TimesHomemaker's worth can't be calculated in numbers : HC orders insurance company to pay Rs 16 lakh compens
The Delhi High Court has ruled that compensation for the demise of a homemaker is complex and cannot be accurately quantified in monetary terms because it can't replace the love, care, and warmth provided by a mother or wife to her family. The court made this observation while addressing the issue of computing compensation for a homemaker's death. Key Points
Economic Times