Kejriwal Govt Amends Law to Increase Jail Term/Fine for Non-Payment of Minimum Wages
New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the Delhi government's Bill to amend the Minimum Wages Act under which employers violating labour rules in the city will now face fine ranging from Rs 20,000-50,000 and jail term between one to three years.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the amended law will act as a "strong deterrent" against the employers who do not pay full minimum wages.
The Department of Law, Justice and Legislative Affairs of the Delhi government has issued a notification, making it mandatory for employers to pay remuneration either electronically or through cheques, except in some special circumstances.
"Finally, Central Govt gives its approval after several months. This will act as a strong deterrent against those employers who do not pay full min wages. Del govt will take strong action against such people," Kejriwal tweeted.
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In March last year, Lt Governor Anil Baijal had approved the AAP government's decision to hike by 37 per cent the minimum wages of unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers.
For an unskilled worker, the minimum wages is Rs 13,350 per month while for semi-skilled, it is Rs 14,698. The minimum wages for skilled persons is Rs 16,182 in the national capital.