Karnataka Workers Get 60% Pay Hike in Major Wage Revision

Karnataka has implemented a substantial 60% increase in minimum wages, a pivotal decision impacting workers across the state's unorganised sector. Labourers in Bengaluru will now receive a minimum monthly wage of ₹23,376, while skilled workers are entitled to ₹31,114. This revision aligns with Supreme Court directives and fulfills a long-standing demand from workers.

For the first time, the state government has unified all 81 scheduled employments under a single wage notification, replacing previous sectoral classifications. The final notification, issued on Friday, May 23, 2026, incorporates a variable dearness allowance of ₹1,030 over two years. This move places Karnataka among the first few states to notify revised minimum wages recently, following Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Labour Minister Santhosh Lad highlighted that this notification will bolster financial security for workers in specific sectors. The unified approach across all 81 scheduled employments aims to instill new hope for numerous labourers statewide, marking a significant step towards improved worker welfare.