From Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi: The Meghalaya Government is actively considering a hike in the minimum wages for the labourers in the Hill State to bring it at par with the national level in view of the rising cost of living and other factors, Deputy Chief Minister and in charge Labour, Rowell Lyngdoh, has informed.
Addressing the 44th session of the Indian Labour’s Conference here on Wednesday, Lyngdoh said that besides the minimum wages the State has already introduced many beneficial schemes like insurance for the labourers. The labourers in the State are eligible for need-based insurance in case of contingencies like illness, maternity, temporary or permanent physical disablement leading to loss of wages, he said.
The State Government has set up a committee to examine a proposal to hike the minimum wages, he informed.
At present the minimum wage in the State is Rs 140, Rs 120 and Rs 100 for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers respectively.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said that Meghalaya being a hilly and small state remains backward industrially and most of the workers are scattered and are in the unorganized sector.
