Hard work should be paid well, and in Manipur, this principle is preserved in legislation. If a person is involved in construction, retail trade, or agricultural activities, minimum wage rates in Manipur are intended to protect workers against exploitation and provide a certain standard of living. However, this is not always the case because there are various individuals who are unaware of their rights and responsibilities regarding minimum wages in Manipur.
The following blog will provide you with an insight into this topic.
What is the minimum wages in Manipur?
Minimum wages in Manipur represent the minimum rate of pay that an employer is required to provide a worker for his or her services under the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. This is done through the revision process of minimum wages by the state government from time to time, depending on the effects of inflation and cost of living.
There are three broad categories of wages in Manipur based on skills:
- Unskilled
- Semi-skilled
- Skilled
This classification is followed for different sectors, as illustrated below:
- Schedule 1: Employment in Agriculture
- Schedule 2: Construction and Building Work
- Schedule 3: Public Motor Transport
- Schedule 4: Shops and Establishments
- Schedule 5: Irrigation and Dam work
- Schedule 6: Water Supply and Sanitation
- Schedule 7: Electricity and Power
- Schedule 8: Textile and Silk Industry
- Schedule 9: Wool and Cotton Work
- Schedule 10: Toys, Brass, and Metal Work
- Schedule 11: Wood, Bamboo, and Cane Industry
- Schedule 12: Metal and Alloy Industry
- Schedule 13: Land Development Work
- Schedule 14: Silkworm Plantation
- Schedule 15: Sericulture Work
- Schedule 16: Employment in Sweeping and Cleaning
Latest Minimum Wages in Manipur
The latest revision (effective March 2025 and continuing into 2026) sets the following base wages:
Schedule 1: Employment in Agriculture
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Tractor Driver, Irrigation Supervisor, Carpenter, Farm Supervisor, Equipment Operator, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Semi-skilled | Pump Operator, Field Assistant, Nursery Worker, Machine Assistant, and other semi-skilled employees | ₹440 | ₹13,200 |
| Unskilled | Farm Labour, Mali, Harvester Helper, Cleaner, General Worker, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 2: Construction / Building Work
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Mason (1st Class), Electrician, Plumber, Carpenter, Heavy Vehicle Driver, Bar Bender, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Semi-skilled | Mason (2nd Class), Welder, Mechanic, Tile Worker, Painter Assistant, and other semi-skilled employees | ₹440 | ₹13,200 |
| Unskilled | Mazdoor, Helper, Loader, Sweeper, Site Cleaner, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 3: Public Motor Transport
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Driver (Bus/Truck), Senior Mechanic, Transport Supervisor, Vehicle Inspector, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Semi-skilled | Junior Driver, Mechanic Assistant, Ticket Checker, Workshop Assistant, and other semi-skilled employees | ₹440 | ₹13,200 |
| Unskilled | Cleaner, Helper, Loading Staff, Parking Attendant, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 4: Shops & Establishments
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Salesman Grade I, Cashier, Store Manager, Driver, Accountant, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Semi-skilled | Salesman Grade II, Billing Clerk, Store Assistant, Receptionist, and other semi-skilled employees | ₹440 | ₹13,200 |
| Unskilled | Helper, Cleaner, Peon, Office Boy, Packing Staff, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 5: Irrigation / Dam Work
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Site Engineer Assistant, Machine Operator, Technician, Survey Assistant, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Semi-skilled | Pump Operator Assistant, Valve Operator, Maintenance Worker, and other semi-skilled employees | ₹440 | ₹13,200 |
| Unskilled | Labour, Helper, Excavation Worker, Cleaner, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 6: Water Supply & Sanitation
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Technician, Pump Operator, Pipeline Supervisor, Electrician, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Semi-skilled | Assistant Technician, Meter Reader, Maintenance Worker, and other semi-skilled employees | ₹440 | ₹13,200 |
| Unskilled | Cleaner, Sweeper, Helper, Drain Worker, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 7: Electricity & Power
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Electrician, Lineman, Substation Operator, Technician, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Semi-skilled | Assistant Lineman, Wireman Helper, Maintenance Assistant, and other semi-skilled employees | ₹440 | ₹13,200 |
| Unskilled | Helper, Labour, Cleaner, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 8: Textile / Silk Industry
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Weaver, Designer, Machine Operator, Quality Checker, Tailor, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Unskilled | Helper, Packing Staff, Cleaning Worker, Watchman, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 9: Wool & Cotton Work
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Spinner, Machine Technician, Supervisor, Weaver, Tailor, Artist, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Unskilled | Labour, Helper, Loader, Peon, Watchman, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 10: Toys, Brass & Metal Work
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Artisan, Craftsman, Metal Designer, Polisher, Clerk, Toy Makers, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Unskilled | Helper, Cleaner, Packing Staff, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 11: Wood, Bamboo & Cane Industry
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Carpenter, Furniture Maker, Bamboo Craftsman, Designer, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Unskilled | Helper, Loader, Cleaner, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 12: Metal & Alloy Industry
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Welder, Fitter, Machine Operator, Technician, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Unskilled | Labour, Helper, Loader, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 13: Land Development Work
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Equipment Operator, Survey Assistant, Site Supervisor, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Unskilled | Labour, Digging Worker, Helper, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 14: Silkworm Plantation
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Plantation Supervisor, Technician, Production Manager, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Unskilled | Labour, Helper, Cleaner, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 15: Sericulture Work
| Category | Roles Included | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Silk Processing Specialist, Technician, Supervisor, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Unskilled | Helper, Packing Worker, Cleaner, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Schedule 16: Employment in Sweeping & Cleaning
| Category | Roles Included (as per Gazette pattern) | Daily Wage | Monthly Wage |
| Skilled | Supervisor (Sanitation), Senior Cleaning Staff, Equipment Operator, and other skilled employees | ₹480 | ₹14,400 |
| Unskilled | Sweeper, Cleaner, Scavenging Worker, Helper, and other unskilled employees | ₹400 | ₹12,000 |
Source: https://manipurgovtpress.nic.in/media/gazzete/OG-46.pdf
Why Minimum Wages in Manipur Matter More Than Ever?
The issue of minimum wages in Manipur is not just an act that one has to comply with; it is an important element in determining whether one has economic stability and is able to retain employees and run their business.
The reasons behind the significance of minimum wages in Manipur are as follows:
1. Rising Cost of Living Is Changing Everything
With the rise in the cost of basic necessities such as food and housing, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to earn enough money to cater to their needs. In this regard, the minimum wages in Manipur help ensure that the workers have enough money to sustain themselves at least minimally.
2. A Major Wage Jump Has Reset Expectations
The dramatic change in the wages paid by employers has raised the bar for people. They know their rights and expect the company to pay accordingly. This has made minimum wages the center of discussion in the HR Department and the Payroll Department.
3. Compliance Is No Longer an Option
The authorities’ enforcement of labour laws is increasing, and non-compliance comes with costly penalties. Any company found not adhering to the minimum wage laws faces costly penalties and possible legal consequences. For businesses operating in Manipur, ensuring adherence to minimum wages is not only advantageous but necessary.
4. Workforce Satisfaction and Retention Depend on It
Wages significantly influence employees’ work satisfaction. Employees who receive fair pay tend to be productive and rarely skip work. Conversely, paying your employees low wages may cause job dissatisfaction, leading to high turnover rates and possibly labour unrest.
5. Increased Awareness Among Workers
Modern employees are well-educated and aware of their rights. They can easily research any labour issues and understand their rights, making compliance mandatory and failure to do so a costly mistake.
Worker Rights You Should Know About: Minimum Wages in Manipur
Understanding your rights is just as important as knowing the wage rates.
1. Right to Minimum Wage
Everyone in the state of Manipur has a legal right to get at least the minimum wages prescribed by law so that they can be protected from exploitation and maintain their minimum standard of living.
2. Equal Pay for Equal Work
The same type of work must carry the same wage, irrespective of whether a person belongs to any particular class or gender, and this will ensure equality and mobility in the work environment.
3. Right to Overtime Wages
If an employee works more than the specified time, he or she has the right to receive overtime wages, which should be twice the normal rate.
4. Protection Against Deductions
No deduction of money can bring down wages below the minimum prescribed limit so that the workers can be ensured their full wage payments.
Employer Responsibilities Under Minimum Wage Law
When it comes to minimum wages in Manipur, the employer is responsible for maintaining fair payment practices. It’s not just about avoiding fines; it’s about creating a reliable environment for all stakeholders.
Every employer has an obligation not to pay their workers less than what has been prescribed as minimum wages, including those hired on a contractual basis. An error in classifying your employees can be a significant issue.
Here are some obligations to take into account:
- Pay a minimum wage as per the classification of workers
- Make sure you maintain accurate records such as time sheets, wage books, and payslips
- Make sure that you don’t delay wage payments
- Ensure that you don’t make illegal deductions that might reduce the payable amount below the prescribed limit
- Be aware of changes in VDA and the revision of wages
It is important to note that your labour inspector will check the accuracy of your documents when making an inspection. Additionally, although contractors may handle the wages, you are still liable.
Simply put, following the guidelines concerning minimum wages in Manipur is a wise business decision, apart from being mandatory.
Conclusion
Minimum wages in Manipur are not only about meeting obligations but are also essential in ensuring fair and stable employment.
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