Previous Year Question
With effect from 1 April, 2017 the minimum wage for unskilled labour in Uttar Pradesh had been fixed at—
₹7000 per month
₹7400 per month
₹7800 per month
₹8200 per month
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
For the period from 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017, the relevant minimum-wage revision in Uttar Pradesh fixed the monthly minimum wage for unskilled workers at approximately ₹7,400.46. The question presents this as the rounded figure of ₹7,400 per month.
The amount consisted mainly of—
Basic Wage — ₹5,750 per month
Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) — approximately ₹1,650.46 per month
Thus, the total minimum wage was:
₹5,750 + ₹1,650.46 = ₹7,400.46 per month
During the same period, higher minimum wages applied to semi-skilled and skilled categories. VDA is used to adjust the wage in response to changes in the cost of living.
It should be noted that minimum wages are not permanent figures. They are revised periodically by the Government, so ₹7,400 is specifically a historical figure applicable from 1 April 2017.