Sweepers, Cleaners, Gardeners Among Thousands to Benefit From New Wage Matrix; Verification Ordered Within 20 Days
Leh, May 17 : The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday announced a major wage rationalisation for daily wagers, part-time and need-based workers employed in various government departments across Ladakh, terming the earlier pay structure as “abysmal” and against the principles of social justice.
In a post on X, LG Saxena, according to news agency JKNS, said that workers such as sweepers, cleaners, gardeners and other wage earners who were receiving salaries as low as Rs 300 to Rs 500 per month for years will now receive substantially revised wages under a new wage matrix.
Under the revised structure, “skilled” workers will now be paid Rs 575 per day, while “unskilled” workers will receive Rs 450 per day on a pro-rata basis, significantly increasing their earnings.
The Lieutenant Governor said directions have also been issued for comprehensive verification of all such workers and implementation of revised wages within 20 days.
LG Saxena wrote, “A landmark reform in Ladakh to ensure dignified wages to the marginalized wage earners. I have ordered a major wage rationalization for daily wagers, part-time/need-based workers, like sweepers, cleaners, gardeners, etc., who were working for pay as low as Rs 300 to Rs 500 per month, in various govt departments, for years. Under the new wage matrix, “skilled” workers will now be paid @Rs 575 per day, while “unskilled” workers will earn @Rs 450 per day, on pro-rata basis, thereby increasing their pay substantially. Have ordered comprehensive verification of all such workers and revision of their wages, within 20 days. I believe, such abysmal pay violated the principles of social justice. We are committed to ensuring fair and dignified wages for all wage-earners, as per the “Minimum Wages Act”, while acknowledging their immense contribution in delivering critical public services across Ladakh.” (JKNS)
