Administration of Minimum Wages in Orissa

Abstract

The state has the largest number of scheduled employments (82) in the country for which minimum wages have been fixed. In fixing the minimum wages the Govt. of Orissa have followed the recommendations of the Labour Ministers' Conference of 20th May 1987, that minimum wages should be revised every 2 years or on the rise of the Consumer Price Index by 50 points. A minimum Wages Advisory Board, a tripartite body has been constituted to coordinate the work of committees and subcommittees and to advise the state government. However, the enforcement of the Act in the state leaves much to be desired. Violations of minimum wages are seen mostly in Shops and Commercial Establishments including Hotels and Restaurants and also in the Construction Business. Violations of minimum wages are more in rural and other remote areas. Sometimes cases of violation of minimum wages are seen in Government departments also.