Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa Small Industries Associations (GSIA) has urged the State government not to take a hasty decision as regards to revision of minimum wages of workers and to take its view into consideration before revision.
In a representation to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the Association said, “The minimum wages have increased by 28 per cent since last six years, from Rs 307 in 2016 to Rs 392 in 2022. Industries are proposing minimum wages of Rs 435 based on a detailed study. Labour Minister’s statement that there is no increase in wages for the last six years is totally wrong.”
GSIA President Damodar Kochkar said that Labour and Employment Minister Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate appears to be in a hurry to revise minimum wages in the State to draw political mileage. Industry bodies have submitted a memorandum to the minister and to the chief minister to have a scientific and realistic approach for an increase in wages.
Kochkar said that wages are not the only cost for businesses. In addition, it has to pay EPF, ESIC, LWF and bonus which works to another Rs 9. Besides, the cost of raw materials, power, transport etc., has gone up. An irrational increase in wages will force labour-intensive units to close down.
