Punjab Increases Minimum Wage to Rs. 40,000

The Government of Punjab has officially increased the minimum wage for workers to Rs. 40,000 per month, as confirmed through a notification issued by the Labour and Human Resource Department.

Wage Details for Workers

According to the notification, all adult and adolescent workers employed in industrial and commercial establishments across the province will now be entitled to a monthly minimum wage of Rs. 40,000, calculated on the basis of 26 working days.

The revised rates also break down into:

• Rs. 1,538.46 per day for an eight-hour shift
• Rs. 192.31 per hour for daily wage and hourly workers

Allowances and Deductions

Employers have been permitted to deduct specific allowances, but only through mutual agreement with workers. These include:

• Rs. 100 per meal for food
• Rs. 1,800 per month for transport
• Rs. 2,000 per month for accommodation

Protection of Higher Wages

The Punjab government has made it clear that if workers are already receiving wages higher than the revised minimum, those cannot be reduced under this notification. At the same time, employers are free to offer higher salaries depending on an employee’s skills, qualifications, or work experience.

Equal Pay for Equal Work

The notification also enforces the principle of wage equality, ensuring that female employees must receive the same pay as male employees when performing work of equal value.