New Delhi, October 30: In a major relief ahead of Diwali, the Centre on Friday hiked the rate of variable dearness allowance or VDA (minimum wages) for workers engaged in various scheduled employments in the central sphere. The decision comes days after the rate of DA for central government employees, under the 7th Pay Commission, was increased by 3 percent. The revised VDA rate will benefit around 1.5 crore workers, Minister of Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav said. 7th Pay Commission: Good News for Pensioners, Order Regarding DR Hike Released.

According to the Centre, the increased rate of variable dearness allowance will be effective from October 1, 2021. The government revises the rate of VDA on the basis of average Consumer Price Index for industrial workers (CPI-IW). The average CPI-IW for the months of January to June, 2021 was used for undertaking the latest revision in the rate of VDA. 7th Pay Commission Latest News: DA Rate Hiked Again, Here's How Much Your Salary Will Increase Based on Basic Pay.

New Rate of Variable Dearness Allowance:

Schedule employment Category of employees Rate of wages including Variable Dearness Allowance Area wise per day (in Rupees)
A B C
Construction or maintenance of roads or runways or  building operations etc. Unskilled 654 546 437
Semi-Skilled/Unskilled Supervisor 724 617 512
Skilled/Clerical 795 724 617
Highly Skilled 864 795 724
Sweeping and Cleaning  

--

 654 546 437
Loading and Unloading workers  

--

 654 546 437
Watch and Ward Without Arms 795 724 617
With Arms 864 795 724
Agriculture Unskilled 417 380 377
Semi-Skilled/Unskilled Supervisor 455 419 384
Skilled/Clerical 495 455 418
Highly Skilled 547 509 455

Minimum Wages of Mines Employees:

Category Above Ground Below Ground
Unskilled 437 546
Semi-Skilled/Unskilled Supervisor 546 654
Skilled/Clerical 654 762
Highly Skilled 762 851

Last week, the Centre increased the rate of DA and DR (dearness relief) from 28 percent to 31 percent for central government employees and pensioners, under the 7th Pay Commission. The increased rate of DA and DR is estimated to cost the exchequer Rs 9,488.70 crore every year. About 47.14 lakh central government employees and 68.62 lakh pensioners will be benefited by the move.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2021 09:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).