Delhi CM to hold interactive meet with contractual workers

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will hold an interactive session with city's contractual workers and labourers on a proposed 50 per cent hike in minimum wages on September 1, in a move seen as an attempt to "woo" them ahead of Punjab and Goa Assembly polls next year.

Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, however, is yet to give his nod to the AAP government's decision to increase minimum wages by 50 per cent for all the working class.

Kejriwal had recently exhorted people to "gherao Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Lt Governor" if the proposed hike is shot down by the LG.
 

Delhi Labour Minister Gopal Rai said the event, 'Sharmik Samvad', is intended to explain the rationale behind the government's decision and how a higher wage will mean more money in the pockets of the poor, which will enable them to spend more, in turn stimulating the trade and industry.

"The minimum wages hike is a major policy push by the Delhi Government and all efforts are being made to make it a success.

"Besides Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Cabinet colleagues and party MLAs, a large number of representatives of workers' unions from the Centre as well as Delhi are expected to participate in Shramik Samvad," Rai said while addressing a press conference here.

Kejriwal's direct interaction with workers at Talkatora Stadium is being seen an as attempt to woo the working class as Aam Aadmi Party will seek support from them in other poll-bound states, including Punjab, Goa and Gujarat.

Rai said the proposed hike for all categories--unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled--is the highest in the country. As per the government's proposal, the minimum wages for unskilled person will be Rs 14,052 against the existing Rs 9,568 in the national capital.

Besides, wages for semi-skilled and skilled persons will increase from Rs 10,582 to Rs 15,471 and from Rs 11,622 to 17,033 respectively.

"The file has been sent to Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung for approval and he has assured that he will decide on the wage hike soon," he said, adding, several trade union representatives have demanded that minimum wage be raised to Rs 20,000 and the government would look into this.