The Labour Department, Govt. of Punjab on May 01, 2026, notified regarding the Minimum Wages Revision Notification, 2026 (Effective from May 01, 2026).
The following has been stated:
• The Government has revised and fixed the minimum wages for all categories of workers in the state with effect from May 01, 2026, based on recommendations of the Advisory Board. The notification prescribes updated monthly, daily, and hourly wage rates for unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, highly skilled, and staff categories (A to D), along with separate provisions for agricultural labour and other sectors.
• It mandates that these wages are basic rates and cannot be split into allowances, and provides for full adjustment linked to the Consumer Price Index.
• The notification ensures equal wages irrespective of gender or disability and extends applicability to all establishments, including contract and outsourced workers, with the principal employer held responsible for compliance.
• It also specifies rules for trainees (75% wages for a limited period), working hours (8 hours/day), calculation of daily wages, and deductions.
• Special provisions allow reduced wages where meals and lodging are provided. Employers already paying higher wages are not affected, but cannot pay below the prescribed minimum.
[Notification no. - Labour-LabOMIWA/1/2021-4L (260032)/166]
