On Labour Day, the Punjab assembly unanimously passed a resolution approving a 15% increase in minimum wages after 13 years, extending the benefit to all registered workers in both government and private sectors.
Chief Minister's Address
In his concluding address on the resolution, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann emphasized that education is the key to improving the conditions of workers. He also criticized the Congress party for walking out of the special session and announced a 'Shukrana Yatra' following the passage of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026.
Mann stated, "The base rate of minimum wages for the working class was last revised in 2012, and although the dearness allowance (DA) has continued to rise since then, the base rate has not been increased." He called the revision a tribute to workers and acknowledged their immense role in the socio-economic progress of the state. He added, "This should have been done 13 years ago, but no one paid heed due to insensitivity towards the working class."
Mann further remarked, "Two previous regimes passed without revising wages for these hardworking and resilient people, who are the backbone of society. On May Day, which symbolizes the historic global struggle of labour, I pay rich tributes to those who sacrificed their lives in Chicago in 1886 to secure genuine service conditions."
Criticism of Opposition
Targeting the opposition, Mann said, "The session began cordially, but Congress leaders could not digest it and boycotted it on the pretext of no issue, reflecting their myopic mindset as big landlords, businessmen and aristocrats who are least concerned about labour."
Education and Labour
On education, the Chief Minister highlighted that children from weaker and underprivileged sections are excelling in government schools due to transformation in education. He noted that 359 students cleared JEE, and of those sharing their experiences, 9 to 10 out of 15 were children of labourers. "When they secure good placements, the destiny of their families will change," he said.
Opposition Leader's Remarks
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa raised the issue of pending DA instalments and dues of employees and pensioners. He suggested stopping the salaries of the Chief Minister, cabinet ministers, MLAs, and IAS and IPS officers until the dues are cleared. Bajwa also sought an increase in daily wages of labourers from Rs 400 to Rs 650. He pointed out that while labourers in Punjab get a monthly wage of Rs 12,000 to Rs 13,000, Haryana pays Rs 18,500 per month.
Bajwa also mentioned that nearly Rs 1,200 crore lies with the Building & Other Construction Workers (BOCW) welfare board and should be given to beneficiaries for treatment, education, and housing. Responding, CM Mann said most construction workers in Punjab come from Bihar and UP and do not register with the board, and asked for Bajwa's assistance.
Government's Performance
Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond stated that compared to Rs 150 crore released to beneficiaries in five years of the previous Congress-led government, the AAP-led government released Rs 350 crore in four years, marking a fourfold increase.
Shukrana Yatra Announcement
Announcing the 'Shukrana Yatra', Mann said, "To express gratitude to the Almighty, I will embark on a Shukrana Yatra from Anandpur Sahib on May 6 and until May 9 will pay obeisance at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Damdama Sahib, Mastuana Sahib, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, with the sole motive of thanking the Almighty for giving the strength and courage to pass this important Act."
