What is the minimum wage in Delhi for 2026?
For October 2025 – March 2026: Unskilled ₹19,846/month · Semi-Skilled ₹21,813/month · Skilled ₹23,905/month · Highly Skilled ₹26,273/month. All figures include the VDA component and are effective from 1 October 2025.
How often are Delhi minimum wages revised?
Twice a year — 1 April and 1 October. The revision adjusts the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) based on Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) data for the preceding 6 months. The next revision is due: April 2026.
Do these rates apply to Noida and Gurugram employees?
No. Delhi rates apply only within the NCT of Delhi. Noida follows Uttar Pradesh state minimum wages. Gurugram follows Haryana rates. Both are lower than Delhi. If your company is Delhi-registered but staff work in Noida or Gurugram, consult a labour lawyer on jurisdiction.
Can I pay less than minimum wage if the worker agrees?
No — it is illegal. The Minimum Wages Act is a beneficial legislation. Any private agreement paying less is void. The employer is still fully liable for the difference plus penalty, regardless of what the employee signed.
Does minimum wage include PF and ESI?
Minimum wage is the gross amount payable to the worker. Employer PF (12% of basic) and ESI (0.75% of gross) are additional employer costs on top — they cannot be counted as part of the minimum wage payment.
How is overtime calculated for Delhi workers?
Overtime is paid at twice the ordinary rate. For Unskilled: ordinary rate = ₹95.5/hr → overtime = ₹191/hr. Any work beyond 9 hours/day or 48 hours/week must be compensated at double rate.
What is VDA and why does it change every 6 months?
Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) is an inflation adjustment. It's recalculated every 6 months using the CPI-IW index. For the current period — Unskilled: Basic ₹9,724 + VDA ₹10,122 = Total ₹19,846/month. When living costs rise, VDA rises to protect workers' purchasing power.
What records must I keep for compliance?
Form I — Muster Roll (daily attendance) · Form II — Wage Register (Basic + VDA shown separately) · Form III — Deductions Register · Form IV — Overtime Register. Also: display a wage notice in Hindi + English at the workplace, updated within 30 days of each revision.
Are Delhi minimum wages different from Noida and Gurugram?
Yes, significantly. Delhi has the highest minimum wages in NCR. Noida follows Uttar Pradesh rates (roughly 49% lower for unskilled) and Gurugram follows Haryana rates (roughly 38% lower). The rate that applies depends on the physical work location of the employee, not where the company is registered. A Delhi company with Noida staff must pay UP rates for those workers.
How does minimum wage affect CTC and employer cost?
Minimum wage is only the gross pay to the worker. On top of that, the employer pays: PF at 12% of basic, ESI at 3.25% of gross (if wage ≤ ₹21,000), statutory bonus at 8.33%, and gratuity at 4.81%. For an unskilled worker in Delhi, the total employer cost (CTC) is roughly ₹23,779/month — about 30% more than the minimum wage itself.
What happens if the government notification is delayed?
Even if the Delhi Labour Department publishes the new rates late (say, November instead of October), the revision is effective retroactively from 1st October. Employers must calculate and pay arrears for the gap period. This is typically paid as a separate line item in the next month's salary. Failure to pay arrears carries the same penalties as underpayment.
