A coalition of trade unions, labour organisations, and people's groups in Rajasthan has demanded a substantial increase in the state's minimum wages and announced the formation of a joint struggle front to advocate for workers' rights. This decision was taken at a state-level conference held at Rajasthan Samagra Seva Sangh in Durgapura, where representatives from nearly 30 organisations participated. The move comes amid rising inflation and worsening livelihood conditions for workers across the state.
Four Resolutions Passed
The conference passed four key resolutions, with the primary demand being a hike in the minimum wage to Rs 26,000 per month. This amount, the groups argue, is necessary to ensure a dignified standard of living for workers and their families. The resolution emphasises that the current wage levels are insufficient to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, education, rent, and transport.
Regular Revision of Variable Dearness Allowance
Another resolution called for the regular revision of the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA). The organisations demanded that actual inflation and the cost of living be factored into wage determination. They proposed that minimum wages should be revised every six months in line with inflation to protect workers' purchasing power.
Proposal for a People's Labour Commission
The conference also proposed the constitution of a Janta Ka Mazdoor Aayog (People's Labour Commission). This commission would comprise worker representatives, trade unions, and labour experts to recommend living wages to the government. The aim is to create a transparent and participatory mechanism for wage fixation.
Formation of Rajasthan Minimum Wage Struggle Front
All participating unions and labour organisations decided to form the Rajasthan Nyuntam Mazdoori Sangharsh Morcha (Rajasthan Minimum Wage Struggle Front). This front will coordinate future statewide campaigns and struggles on issues related to wage hikes, VDA review, and living wages. The formation of this united platform is expected to strengthen the collective bargaining power of workers.
Comparison with Other States
Speakers at the conference alleged that Rajasthan has some of the lowest minimum wage rates in the country, despite rising prices. They pointed out that states such as Delhi, Kerala, Haryana, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana offer significantly higher minimum wages. The disparity, they argued, is unjust and forces workers in Rajasthan to struggle for basic survival.
Voices from the Conference
Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan founder Nikhil Dey stated that minimum wage is not merely an economic issue but a matter of dignity and constitutional equality. He emphasised that the state must ensure fair wages to uphold the rights of workers. CITU Rajasthan president Ravindra Shukla called the current wage structure anti-worker and urged unions to intensify collective pressure on the government to address these demands.
The conference concluded with a resolve to launch a sustained campaign across Rajasthan, including protests, rallies, and outreach programmes, to force the state government to act on the demands. The joint front aims to build a broad-based movement involving not only workers but also civil society groups and the general public.
