Unorganised labourers, trade unions in Rajasthan seek minimum wage revision

Unorganised labourers, trade unions in Rajasthan seek minimum wage revision A large gathering of unorganised labourers and trade unions in Jaipur, Rajasthan, demanded a revision of the minimum wage for workers in the state on Tuesday. The protest, which took place outside the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, saw hundreds of workers from various sectors, including construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, come together to voice their concerns. The protesters claimed that the current wage rates were inadequate for meeting the basic necessities of food, healthcare, education, rent, and transportation for their families. The rally was jointly organised by several trade unions, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), and the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC). The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, requesting immediate action on their demands. The demand for a revision of the minimum wage has been pending for several years, and the workers have been facing financial difficulties due to the current wage rates. The state government had last revised the minimum wage in 2019, but the cost of living has increased significantly since then, making it difficult for workers to make ends meet. The protesters claimed that the current wage rates were not only insufficient but also discriminatory, as they varied across different sectors and regions. The trade unions also demanded that the state government implement the National Minimum Wage Act, 2017, which sets the minimum wage at ₹375 per day. The revision of the minimum wage has a direct impact on the lives of millions of workers in Rajasthan, who struggle to make a living wage. If the demand is met, it would not only improve the economic well-being of the workers but also boost consumer spending and economic growth. Experts have hailed the demand as a step in the right direction, saying that it would help to reduce income inequality and promote social justice. The opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have backed the demand, calling it a long-overdue measure to address the grievances of the working class. As the debate on the minimum wage revision continues, RAJNEET asks: Should the state government revise the minimum wage to reflect the current cost of living, or should it wait for the Centre to implement the National Minimum Wage Act? Share your views on RAJNEET and let us know what you think about this critical issue.