The government of the state of Uttar Pradesh has increased the minimum wage for workers to help them cope with inflation. Workers employed in 74 approved enterprises in the state will now receive an additional monthly payment ranging from 174.25 to 238.39 rupees.
The new rates will be effective from October 1, 2026, until March 31, 2027. The Department of Labour issued the relevant government order on October 21, 2026. The wage increase was made considering inflation data and applies to unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers.
For unskilled workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, the minimum monthly wage has been raised from 13,690 rupees to 13,883.59 rupees, representing a monthly increase of 193.59 rupees. Similarly, the wages of semi-skilled workers have been raised from 15,059 rupees to 15,271.41 rupees, providing them with an additional income of 212.41 rupees. As for skilled workers, their minimum monthly salary has increased from 16,868 rupees to 17,106.39 rupees, giving them an increase of 238.39 rupees monthly.
In districts of the state with municipal councils, excluding Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, the minimum wage has also been increased. Here, the wage for unskilled workers rose from 13,006 rupees to 13,189.68 rupees. Semi-skilled workers will now receive 14,507.46 rupees instead of the previous 14,306 rupees, and skilled workers will receive 16,250.86 rupees instead of 16,025 rupees. Thus, in these areas, workers will receive an additional amount ranging from 183.68 to 225.86 rupees monthly.
The minimum wage for workers employed in other districts of the state has also been adjusted. For unskilled workers, the monthly rate increased from 12,356 rupees to 12,530.25 rupees. Semi-skilled workers are now entitled to 13,782.30 rupees instead of 13,590 rupees, and skilled workers to 15,438.42 rupees instead of 15,224 rupees. In these remaining districts, workers will receive an additional amount ranging from 174.25 to 214.42 rupees per month.
The government made changes to the wages based on inflation figures. This was done by taking the average Consumer Price Index across all of India for the period from January to June 2026, which amounted to 431 points, compared to the previous base level of 400 points. A Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) was established to account for the index growth. According to government rules, the daily minimum wage will be calculated by dividing the monthly wage by 26. Furthermore, the salaries of employees who already earn more than the established minimum rate will not be reduced.
The Department of Labour expects that the concerned companies, industrial establishments, and institutions will pay wages to workers according to the new rates. When making payments, the worker's qualification category and the minimum wage applicable in the respective area must be taken into account.