scale variation of minimum wages

There is large scale variation of minimum wages both within the country and internationally owing to differences in prices of essential commodities, paying capacity, productivity, local conditions, items of the commodity basket, differences in exchange rates etc.

•                 In view of this it is not possible to compare the minimum wages in the country with International Standards.

                                                                           

                The norms recommended by the Indian Labour Conference (ILC), held in 1957 are taken into accountwhile fixing the minimum wages. These are as follows:-

(i) 3 consumption units for one earner.

(ii) Minimum food requirements of 2700 calories per average Indian adult.

(iii) Clothing requirements of 72 yards per annum per family.

(iv) Rent corresponding to the minimum area provided for under Government’s Industrial Housing Scheme.

(v) Fuel, Lighting and other miscellaneous items of expenditure to constitute 20% of the total minimum wage.