New Delhi: In the first major decision since taking charge as Delhi chief minister, Atishi on Wednesday announced a hike in minimum wage for different categories of workers in the national capital.
Following the revision in wages, unskilled workers will be paid a minimum of Rs 18,066 per month, semi-skilled workers will earn Rs 19,929 and skilled workers Rs 21,917.
Atishi credited the AAP government, under former CM Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, for implementing the “highest” minimum wages in India.
Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being “anti-poor”, Atishi claimed that minimum wages in BJP-ruled states were “perhaps half of what was being paid in Delhi.”
The AAP government, despite BJP’s attempts to “obstruct”, effected wage revisions twice a year, said Atishi.
The new CM, who held her first meeting with ministers and department heads on Tuesday, assured the latter of full support from the government.
“Let us work together in the interest of the people of Delhi. The work of officials has a significant impact on the lives of the people and as a government, we will provide full support to the officials in this,” she said.
“The Delhi government and the officials are fully accountable to the people. We all rely on the taxes paid by the people of Delhi, so it is our responsibility to work towards providing them with the best possible services and to fulfil our responsibilities with complete integrity,” Atishi observed.