Inflation Erodes Wages: NSHRC Demands Urgent Government Action
DIMAPUR, JULY 22 (MExN): The Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) has urged the State Government to review and revise the minimum wages for its employees and workers. This recommendation follows a suo-moto case (14/2024), highlighting the prolonged stagnation in wage revisions despite rising inflation.
Under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, governments are mandated to periodically fix, review, and revise wages. However, Nagaland last revised its wages in 2019, setting daily wages at Rs 176 for unskilled workers, Rs 210 for semi-skilled, and Rs 235 for skilled workers. With inflation skyrocketing over the past five years, these wages have not been updated, raising serious concerns about workers’ ability to meet their basic needs.
The NSHRC stressed that failure to revise wages constitutes exploitation and denies workers their right to live with dignity. Drawing comparisons with neighboring states, the commission highlighted proactive measures taken elsewhere: Assam’s unskilled workers earn Rs 9800.50 monthly, Mizoram’s unskilled workers earn Rs 420 daily, and Sikkim’s unskilled earn Rs 500 daily.
The necessity of protecting wages against inflation is evident as 26 states, including Assam and Meghalaya, have adopted Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) linked to the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, revised twice yearly to counter inflation.
The NSHRC underscored that stagnant wages not only deny workers their constitutional rights to equality and life but can potentially amount to forced labor. The commission called upon the Nagaland Government to urgently revise wages within the next 2-3 months, urging the Chief Secretary to report actions taken within a month.
Emphasizing the state’s role as a welfare entity and model employer, the NSHRC stated, "The welfare state, expected to be the first to aid in securing basic needs and rights, must act promptly." This proactive stance by the NSHRC signals a significant commitment to ensuring fair wages and protecting workers’ rights in Nagaland.
As the state awaits the Government’s response, the commission’s recommendations underscore the urgent necessity to address wage stagnation and align with the progressive measures seen in neighboring states.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/time-for-wage-revision-in-nagaland
Category : Morung Exclusive , Nagaland
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