The state government of Haryana has announced a significant revision of wages for part-time and daily-wage workers engaged across its various departments, boards, corporations and public sector undertakings. The new wage structure will be effective 1 January 2026. The Economic Times+1
Below is a detailed breakdown of what this means, why it has been done, and what workers and employers should know.
What’s New: The Revised Wage Structure
- The notification was issued by the Chief Secretary of Haryana, Anurag Rastogi. csharyana.gov.in+3The Economic Times+3The Economic Times+3
- The new wage scales apply to part-time/daily-wage workers engaged with government departments/offices/PSUs in Haryana. The Economic Times+1
- The state has been divided into three district categories (Category I, II, III) based on socio-economic and developmental factors. Each category has different wage rates for three worker levels (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3). The Economic Times
Wage Rates by Category & Level
- Category I districts: Level 1: ₹ 19,900/month (≈ ₹ 765/day, ~₹ 96/hour)
Level 2: ₹ 23,400/month
Level 3: ₹ 24,100/month The Economic Times+1 - Category II districts: Level 1: ₹ 17,550/month
Up to Level 3: ~₹ 21,700/month. The Economic Times - Category III districts: Level 1: ₹ 16,250/month
Up to Level 3: ~₹ 20,450/month. The Economic Times
Why This Revision?
- Several departments, boards and corporations had made representations requesting improved remuneration for their contractual and daily-wage workforce. The state government responded via this revision. The Economic Times+1
- The adjustment recognises regional disparities — cost of living, development levels and socio-economic conditions vary across districts. By categorising districts, the policy seeks to balance fairness with practicality. The Economic Times+1
- It aligns with broader labour-policy trends of improving protections for non-permanent workers in government service.
Key Implementation Details
- Effective date: 1 January 2026. The Economic Times
- This applies to part-time and daily-wage workers in government departments/offices/boards/corporations/PSUs of Haryana. csharyana.gov.in+1
- Employers (i.e., departments/organisations) must align wage agreements & budgets accordingly from the effective date.
- The district classification (Category I/II/III) will determine which wage bracket applies for a given worker based on location.
- Workers should check which “level” they are assigned to (Level 1/2/3) and which category their district falls under, to determine their applicable rate.
Implications for Workers & Employers
For Workers:
- For many part-time/daily workers this means a noticeable increase in remuneration, especially in higher category districts or higher levels.
- Workers in Level 1 in Category I districts moving to ~₹ 19,900/month (or ₹ 765/day) will see their baseline improved.
- This can improve livelihood security, reduce wage disparity, and encourage better recruitment/retention of daily-wage labour.
- Workers should verify with their department/corporation the category and level they are allocated to avoid confusion.
For Employers/Government Departments:
- Budgetary planning will need adjustment: increased wage bills from Jan 2026.
- Contracts and service orders for part-time/daily-wage workers must reflect new rates.
- Clear communication to workers is important so that expectations align.
- Monitoring & compliance will be key: ensure the revised rates are actually implemented, not delayed.
Challenges & Considerations
- While the revision is meaningful, implementation-risk remains: some workers may face delays in getting the revised rates.
- The distinction between “daily-wage” and truly irregular/part-time work still may result in ambiguity; clarity about number of hours, daily count, etc will help.
- Workers in lower category districts (Category III) still get significantly less than those in Category I — though the categorisation is intended to reflect local conditions.
- For truly informal/gig-type work outside government departments, this revision may not apply directly; limitations remain for those outside this framework.
- Follow-up may be needed to ensure other benefits (overtime, social security, working conditions) keep pace with wage revision.
What Next?
- Workers should check the official notification from the Government of Haryana / Chief Secretary Office to get full details of their district category and level.
- Departments and corporations should update their contracts, budgets and job-orders for 2026 accordingly.
- Worker unions and associations may use this revision as a basis to demand further improvements or extension to other categories of contract workers.
- Monitoring bodies (labour departments, audit bodies) should check that the new rates are being applied without delay and that no worker is left behind.
