Minimum wages in Assam 2025: Rates and salary structures

To ensure fair pay in Assam, employers must understand the state's minimum wage structure, which varies by skill level. Staying compliant with state government guidelines not only supports legal obligations but also promotes employee well-being.

This guide covers the latest minimum wage categories in Assam for 2025 and outlines the responsibilities and compliance requirements employers must follow. Read on to learn how to maintain a fair and legally compliant workplace.

Overview of Assam Minimum Wages rules

The Assam Minimum Wages Rules, 1952, aim to protect employees' rights by ensuring fair wages across various industries. These rules mandate that every employee, regardless of skill level, must be paid at least the prescribed minimum wage.

The law also ensures equal pay for equal work, with structured wage categories based on the type of work and required skill level.

Here are some essential regulations under the Assam Minimum Wages Rules:

1. The wage period must not exceed one month. Wages must be paid on a working day, no later than the seventh day after the wage period ends.
2. Employees must be given one day of rest every week, usually Sunday. However, employers can choose another day, provided employees work six consecutive days before the rest day.
3. Adults can work up to 9 hours a day, with a weekly cap of 48 hours. Children (if employed legally) are allowed to work up to 4.5 hours a day
4. Latest minimum wage rates issued by the government must be clearly displayed at the workplace in English or a language understood by the majority of workers.

How is the minimum wage calculated in Assam?

In Assam, the minimum wage is primarily determined by the skill category of the worker. These categories are: unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled. Each category has a different wage rate, with higher-skilled workers earning more.

Here’s how workers are classified:

• Unskilled workers

These workers do not require any special training or prior experience. Their tasks are simple and involve physical effort. While formal education or expertise isn't required, they are expected to be familiar with basic worksite conditions.

• Semi-skilled workers

Semi-skilled workers handle repetitive tasks that require limited training. They follow specific instructions and procedures, and their work does not involve independent decision-making or specialised judgment.

• Skilled workers

These workers possess specific training, experience, or expertise in a trade, craft, or profession. They perform technical tasks and often work independently. Because of their knowledge and experience, they earn more than unskilled and semi-skilled workers.

• Highly-skilled workers

Highly skilled workers have advanced expertise, specialised training, and, in many cases, formal qualifications. They are responsible for complex tasks and may also supervise others. Their wages are the highest among all categories.

Latest minimum wages in Assam for 2025

Refer the official notification for Assam minimum wages 2025 here.

Salary structure for workers with different skill levels in Assam

Here’s how you can structure salaries for different classes of workers in Assam, ensuring compliance while also staying aligned with skill level, living costs, and industry expectations.

Compliance forms under the Assam minimum wages rules

Employers are required to maintain specific registers to ensure compliance with wages and working conditions regulations. Below is an overview of the essential forms:

Key takeaways

Minimum wages in Assam are fixed based on the worker's skill level and include two components: basic salary and Variable Dearness Allowance. Unskilled workers receive the lowest wages, while semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled workers earn progressively higher rates. To stay compliant and avoid legal penalties, employers must strictly follow the minimum wage notifications issued by the Government of Assam.

Frequently asked questions