Public procurement workers to get minimum daily wage of Rs 1,740, social security made mandatory

The government has set a minimum wage and made social security mandatory for workers employed in projects and programs run through public procurement.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development has issued and implemented the Procedure, 2083 for this purpose. Alongside the minimum wage, the procedure also provides for social security, insurance and workplace safety.

Workers linked to construction projects, consulting services, industries and goods supply are also covered under it. The basic daily wage for the lowest-paid unskilled worker has been set at about 1,450 rupees.

Including social security contributions, this daily wage reaches about 1,740 rupees. Specialists with more than 15 years of experience are to receive about 262,000 rupees a month.

Employers must pay the prescribed wage and also contribute to the Social Security Fund. The government or the relevant public body will also contribute to the fund in the same manner as employers.

Listing, registration and identity cards for workers have been made mandatory, while those who violate the rules face blacklisting, forfeiture of deposits and cancellation of licenses.