Minimum wages in Chhattisgarh: 2025 rates and regulations

The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 aims to prevent wage discrimination by categorising workers as skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled, and assigning specific minimum wage rates to each group.

From April 1, 2025, the Chhattisgarh Government has revised the minimum wage rates across various categories. These wages are determined based on both the nature of employment and the geographical zone where the work is performed.

This article summarises the updated wage structure and helps employers understand the salary structure for various categories of workers.

Minimum wages in Chhattisgarh

In Chhattisgarh, the minimum wage framework is governed by the Minimum Wages Act of 1948 and the state's own Minimum Wages (Chhattisgarh) Rules, 1958. These regulations ensure that workers receive fair compensation based on their skill level and the zone in which they are employed.

The state categorizes employment into three zones: Zone I, Zone II, and Zone III, and classifies workers as unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, or highly skilled. Each category and zone has specific wage rates, which are periodically revised to reflect economic changes. Employers are legally obligated to pay at least these minimum wages, and failure to comply can result in penalties.

How is the minimum wage calculated in Chhattisgarh?

In Chhattisgarh, the minimum wage is calculated by adding two components: Basic pay and Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA).

• Basic pay is fixed based on the skill level of the worker and the zone where the work is performed.
• VDA is revised periodically based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to account for inflation.

Latest minimum wages in Chhattisgarh for 2025

View the official notification here

Salary structure for minimum wage workers in Chhattisgarh

Here’s a sample salary structure for different categories of employees across the three zones, based on the latest minimum wage rates (effective April 2025). These structures are ideal for small businesses that want to ensure compliance while keeping things simple.

Employer liabilities under the Chhattisgarh minimum wages rules

Here’s a list of responsibilities that employers must follow under the Chhattisgarh Minimum Wages Rules:

• Employers must keep a wage register at the workplace in Form XI to record the wages of all employees.
• Employers must obtain the signature or thumb impression of each employee on both the wage register and wage slip. These entries must also be signed or authenticated by the employer or an authorised representative.
• A muster roll in Form V must be kept at the workplace to record the daily attendance of employees.
• Employers must maintain an Inspection Book for labour inspectors to record their observations. The inspector will paste their notes in the book and retain a duplicate copy.
• All registers and records must be preserved for at least 24 months from the date of the last entry, or longer if directed by the Inspector.

Frequently asked questions