If you are operating a business in Haryana, whether it represents the high-tech corporate culture of Gurugram or the industrial might of Manesar, you are dealing with one of India's most unique labor markets.
Unlike other states that determine wages based on complex geographical zones, Haryana follows a streamlined but nuanced approach based on skill classification.
For HR managers, business owners, and employees alike, understanding the minimum wage is not just about compliance; it is about ensuring fair livelihoods and avoiding costly legal pitfalls.
The State Government has revised the minimum wage rates effective from July 1, 2024, and this guide serves as your comprehensive handbook to navigating these changes.
Understanding the Basics: What Sets the Minimum Wage?
Before we look at this year's specific numbers, it's important to know how they work. The minimum wage in India is not a random number that policymakers picked. It is a "need-based wage" that is carefully worked out to make sure that a worker can support themselves and their family with dignity.
The calculation is based on the rules set by the 15th Indian Labour Conference and backed up by Supreme Court decisions. The government thinks that a typical working-class family has three people who work: the earner, a spouse, and two kids.
The final wage number comes from the cost of basic needs, such as giving each adult 2,700 calories of food a day, 72 yards of clothing a year, the lowest rent for housing, and gas costs.
In addition, after the important Raptakos Brett decision, an extra 25% is added to this calculation to pay for children's education, medical bills, and holidays. This makes sure that the wage is enough to cover more than just survival.
The Official Pay Scale
To keep up with inflation, the Haryana Labour Department changes the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) twice a year. The table below shows the minimum wages that all shops, businesses, and factories in the state must pay.
Minimum Wages in Haryana (Month Wise)
To keep up with inflation, the Haryana Labour Department changes the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) twice a year. The table below shows the minimum wages that all shops, businesses, and factories in the state must pay.
| Class of Employment | Basic Wage (Per Month) | VDA (Per Month) | Total Minimum Wage (Per Month) |
| Unskilled | ₹10,924.24 | ₹77.52 | ₹11,001.76 |
| Semi-Skilled (Class A) | ₹11,470.41 | ₹81.40 | ₹11,551.81 |
| Semi-Skilled (Class B) | ₹12,043.91 | ₹85.47 | ₹12,129.38 |
| Skilled (Class A) | ₹12,646.12 | ₹89.74 | ₹12,735.86 |
| Skilled (Class B) | ₹13,278.44 | ₹94.23 | ₹13,372.67 |
| Highly Skilled | ₹13,942.36 | ₹98.94 | ₹14,041.30 |
Understand Maharashtra’s latest minimum wage rates, VDA structure, and compliance rules to ensure accurate and lawful wage payments.
Daily Wage Rates for Casual Labour
If a business hires temporary workers, daily wage workers, or casual workers, they can't just divide the monthly salary by 30.
Instead, you get the daily rate by dividing the monthly minimum wage by 26 days of work. This makes sure that the worker gets a full month's pay even if they take a week off.
| Class of Employment | Total Minimum Wage Per Day |
| Unskilled | ₹423.14 |
| Semi-Skilled (Class A) | ₹444.30 |
| Semi-Skilled (Class B) | ₹466.51 |
| Skilled (Class A) | ₹489.84 |
| Skilled (Class B) | ₹514.33 |
| Highly Skilled | 540.05 |
Understanding the Difference Between Class A and Class B
The difference between Class A and Class B within the semi-skilled and skilled categories is one of the most common things that people get confused about in the Haryana wage notification.
Haryana uses these terms to show the difference between experience and technical depth within the same job role, unlike other states that use them for city zones.
People in the semi-skilled Class A group usually work in entry-level jobs where they have some experience but are still being watched. This includes jobs like Assistant Clerks, Waiters, or helpers.
Semi-Skilled Class B is a step up. It is for workers with a lot of experience who can do the same tasks over and over again with less supervision and more efficiency. Examples of these workers are junior technicians or line operators in factories.
In the skilled category, the difference is often based on certain qualifications or risk factors. A typical data entry operator or clerk is an example of someone in skilled class A.
But a Heavy Vehicle Driver (like a bus or truck driver) or a Senior Stenographer is in Skilled Class B because they need more skill, a license, and more responsibility.
Understand the updated UP minimum wages, applicable rules, and simple methods to calculate your pay.
Different Job Titles and Their Pay Ranges
The government gives these groups specific common job titles to make payroll easier. To avoid claims of underpayment, it is important to give your employees the right title.
Clerical and Administrative Staff: The clerical staff is the backbone of any office. They are paid based on their education and level of responsibility.
The Semi-Skilled Class A rate (₹11,551.81) is what a clerk who hasn't passed matriculation is paid. But a Graduate Clerk must be paid the Skilled Class A rate, which is ₹12,735.86.
Highly skilled jobs, like private secretary or personal assistant, pay at least ₹14,041.30 a month.
Drivers and logistics
There are strict rules about what kind of vehicle can do what. Drivers of light vehicles (cars, vans) are in Skilled Class B (₹13,372.67).
But if the employee drives a heavy vehicle, they are considered highly skilled (₹14,041.30) because there are more skills and safety risks involved.
People in charge of security
There is a clear division in security services based on whether they use weapons or not. A security guard who doesn't carry a weapon is in the Semi-Skilled Class A, which pays at least ₹11,551.81.
On the other hand, an armed guard who has a weapon and the right license is paid ₹13,372.67 for Skilled Class B work.
The Truth About "Cost to Company" (CTC)
Employers often make the mistake of thinking that the "minimum wage" is the only cost they will have.
The numbers above (for example, ₹11,001.76 for unskilled) are actually the gross wages.
An employer must set aside extra money for statutory contributions in addition to this gross amount to stay in compliance.
You need to include the employer's 13% contribution to the Provident Fund (PF) and the employer's 3.25% contribution to ESIC. You also need to think about contributions to the Haryana Labour Welfare Fund (LWF) and legal bonuses, which are at least 8.33%.
So, even though the unskilled minimum wage is about ₹11,000, the company will probably have to pay that worker between ₹13,500 and ₹14,000 a month.
Get a clear view of Gujarat’s latest minimum wage rates, VDA components, and compliance requirements.
Risks and Penalties for Not Following the Rules
Not following these rules is not a good way to run a business. Haryana has a strong system for inspecting workers, and it will become even stricter with the new Code on Wages.
If an employee complains about not being paid enough, the Labour Court can tell the employer to pay the full amount of the missing wages. They can also fine you up to ten times the amount you owe.
In addition to fines, not following the rules can lead to criminal charges against company directors and damage to their reputation. It's also important to remember that employees can go back and claim unpaid wages for up to three years.
Save money from your daily wages automatically. Download the Jar app & buy digital gold today.
It takes work to figure out the minimum wage situation in Haryana. It can be hard to change from a simple salary number to a structure that includes VDA, Class A/B distinctions, and legal additions. But a good organization is one that always follows the rules.
We suggest that you check your current payroll records right away. Make sure that the "Basic + Dearness Allowance" column for each employee is at least as high as the rates listed above for July 2024.
This way, you keep your business safe from legal problems and make sure your employees are fair and motivated.
