Ladakh administration hikes wages of skilled, unskilled workers

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday (May 17, 2026) announced a major wage rationalisation reform for daily wagers, part-time, seasonal and need-based employees working in the Union Territory.

Terming it “a landmark reform in Ladakh to ensure dignified wages to the marginalised wage earners, Mr. Saxena said, “I have ordered a major wage rationalisation for daily wagers, part-time/need-based workers, like sweepers, cleaners, gardeners, etc., who were working for pay as low as ₹300 to ₹500 per month, in various government departments, for years”.

Under the new wage matrix, skilled workers will now be paid ₹575 per day, while unskilled workers will earn ₹450 per day. The L-G administration has ordered comprehensive verification of all such workers and revision of their wages within 20 days.

“I believe, such abysmal pay violated the principles of social justice. We are committed to ensuring fair and dignified wages for all wage-earners, as per the ‘Minimum Wages Act’, while acknowledging their immense contribution in delivering critical public services across Ladakh,” said Mr. Saxena.

Local residents as well as migrant labourers are expected to benefit from the revised policy.

The Lieutenant-Governor also instructed departments to complete verification of engagement records, work details, duty hours and Aadhaar-linked bank account information within 20 days.

“All payments will be made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into workers’ bank accounts to ensure transparency and accountability,” officials said.