Minimum Wages Under West Bengal Shops & Establishments Act (2024 Update)

Minimum wages in West Bengal are revised periodically by the Labour Department via notifications under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (applied to scheduled employments including shops & establishments). The West Bengal Shops & Establishments Act, 1963 regulates working conditions; wages are set under the Minimum Wages Act.

Current Rates (Effective April 1, 2024 — Notification No. 146-MW/2W-12/2023)

Notes:

• Rates include Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) linked to Consumer Price Index (CPI-IW). Revised half-yearly (Apr 1, Oct 1).
• Monthly = Daily × 26 (standard working days).
• Applies to: Shops, commercial establishments, restaurants, hotels, theatres, hospitals, schools, IT/ITES (if covered), transport, godowns, etc. in West Bengal.
• Zone Differential: Some notifications specify higher rates for Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) / "A" Zone vs. "B" / "C" zones. Above rates are typically for Zone A (KMC). Check specific notification for zone applicability.

Previous Rates (Oct 2023 – Mar 2024) for Reference

• Unskilled: ₹404/day (₹10,504/mo)
• Semi-Skilled: ₹445/day (₹11,570/mo)
• Skilled: ₹514/day (₹13,364/mo)
• Highly Skilled: ₹577/day (₹15,002/mo)

Employer Obligations

• Pay ≥ notified minimum (Basic + VDA).
• Maintain registers (Form X, XI, XII).
• Issue wage slips.
• Annual bonus (Payment of Bonus Act) if applicable.

Verification

Always check the latest notification on the West Bengal Labour Department website or wblabour.gov.in → "Minimum Wages" section. Rates change every 6 months.