AJMRWLU demands govt to retrospectively implement the revised minimum wages from Oct 1, 2023

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 14, 2025

The All Jaintia Muster Roll Workers & Labour Union (AJMRWLU) on Wednesday demanded the state government to reconsider the effective date of the revised minimum wages to ensure that it is implemented retrospectively from October 1, 2023.

In a letter to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma, president of the union Meri Shangpung said, “We humbly urge the chief minister to reconsider the effective date of the revised minimum wages and to ensure that it is implemented retrospectively from October 1, 2023, in compliance with the provision of the Act and in the interest of justice and fairness to all concerned workers.”

Quoting the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, she said it is mandated that the state government shall revise the minimum wages at intervals not exceeding five years. The last revision of minimum wages in Meghalaya was notified on October 1, 2018.

“Accordingly, the next revision was due on or before October 1, 2023. However, we have learned that the recent notification has set the effective date of the revised wages as January 1, 2025, which has delayed the implementation by more than a year,” Shangpung stated.

“This delay has caused significant concern and hardship among the Muster Rol/Casual workers and labourers of Jaintia Hills region and across the state, especially given the rising cost of living. The postponement deprives us of our rightful and timely wage benefits, impacting our livelihoods and welfare,” she added.