Minimum wages revised from 1 October 2026 for central sphere workers: new daily rates
26 October 2026 · 2 min read · HireHo
Based on the Labour Bureau VDA order effective 1 October 2026, as summarised by SG CMS and DCPS. Summarised in our own words.
From 1 October 2026 the variable dearness allowance (VDA) went up for workers in the central sphere. The Labour Bureau, Chandigarh, issued the revision. It follows a 6.62-point rise in the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), from 424.80 to 431.42 as on 30 June 2026.
Who this applies to
These rates are for scheduled jobs where the Central Government is the 'appropriate government', such as central public sector units, railways, mines, major ports and airports. They are not the minimum wages of your state. State governments set their own rates for most private employers, so check your state notification too.
New daily rates, in rupees (basic plus VDA)
- Construction and maintenance, unskilled: Area A 840, Area B 704, Area C 565
- Construction and maintenance, skilled or clerical: Area A 1,024, Area B 933, Area C 794
- Sweeping and cleaning, and loading and unloading: same as unskilled construction (840, 704, 565)
- Watch and ward without arms: Area A 1,024, Area B 933, Area C 794
- Watch and ward with arms: Area A 1,111, Area B 1,024, Area C 933
- Agriculture, unskilled: Area A 537, Area B 491, Area C 486
Rates for other categories, such as semi-skilled and highly skilled workers and mines, are in the official order. Area A, B and C refer to the city grouping used in the central classification.
What to do
- Check your payslip. Basic plus VDA for your category should not be below the rate for your area.
- If you work on a central government site, ask your employer which rate applies to you and ask for it in writing.
- Keep your offer letter and payslips. They are your proof if there is a dispute.
The source pages do not show the full order text. Treat this article as a summary and confirm your exact rate in the Labour Bureau order or with your employer.