Telangana hikes minimum wages, reclassifies workers into four skill categories: CM Revanth Reddy
Hyderabad, May 21
The Telangana government on Thursday announced a major hike in minimum wages, restructuring the classification of workers and redefining wage zones to ensure broader coverage and improved earnings for over 1.11 crore workers across the state.
Speaking in a press conference, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said the decision was taken after reviewing gaps in the earlier system and following recommendations of a cabinet sub-committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka.
He said the previous structure had caused losses to a large number of workers due to administrative negligence.
He said, "The government has taken a crucial decision regarding the minimum wages of workers. Due to the negligence of the previous government, 1 crore 11 lakh workers suffered losses. That is why our government appointed a cabinet sub-committee under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka. After discussions, the state government took this decision."
"We have divided the workers into four categories. We categorised the workers as Unskilled, Semi-skilled, Skilled, and Highly Skilled. Earlier, there were two zones, but now the zones have been divided into three parts," CM Reddy said.
Explaining the revised structure, the Chief Minister said minimum wages have been calculated based on a three-zone system covering urban and rural areas. "We determined the minimum wage by considering Municipal Corporations in Zone 1, Municipalities in Zone 2, and Rural Areas in Zone 3," he said.
He further announced revised wage slabs across all categories.
"In the Unskilled category, we have increased the minimum wage from Rs. 12,750 to Rs. 16,000. In the Semi-skilled category, we have increased it from Rs. 13,152 to Rs. 17,000. In the Skilled category, we have increased it from Rs. 13,772 to Rs. 18,500. In the Highly Skilled category, we have increased it from Rs. 14,607 to Rs. 20,000. With the state government's decision, 1 crore 11 lakh workers will benefit," the Telangana CM said.
He further informed that the decision will be implemented from June 1, 2026.
"Congratulations to the workers on behalf of the Telangana Government," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The four-category classification makes sense - Unskilled, Semi-skilled, Skilled, Highly Skilled. Finally acknowledging that not all labor is equal. Rs 20,000 for highly skilled is decent but still not enough given inflation. Also, the three-zone system is smart - urban cost of living is different from rural. Hope this is implemented properly and doesn't get stuck in bureaucracy.
Good move by CM Revanth Reddy. But let's be honest - previous BRS government also talked about wages but didn't implement properly. 1.11 crore workers suffered due to "administrative negligence" as Reddy rightly pointed out. Now let's see if the Congress government actually delivers on June 1, 2026. Actions speak louder than press conferences. 🤔
Interesting approach with the three-zone system. In the US we have federal vs state minimum wages but this zone-based classification is unique. Rs 20,000 for highly skilled is about $240/month which seems low by global standards but considering Indian costs, it's a meaningful increase. Hope they also focus on enforcement - minimum wage is only good if employers actually pay it.
My maid in Hyderabad will finally get better wages under the unskilled category. But I'm worried about small businesses - many can't afford these hikes. The government should also provide some subsidies or tax relief to MSMEs so they don't fire workers or shut down. Balance between worker rights and business sustainability is crucial. Still, happy for the workers! 🎉
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