Central Act

The Minimum Wages Act, 1948

This Act was repealed on 21 November 2025 by the Code on Wages, 2019 (29 of 2019), s.69(1); it may still apply to matters that began before then.

4. Minimum rate of wages.- (1) Any minimum rate of wages fixed or revised by the appropriate Government in respect of scheduled employments under sec. 3 may consist of- (i) a basic rate of wages and a special allowance at a rate to be adjusted, at such intervals and in such manner as the appropriate Government may direct, to accord as nearly as practicable with the variation in the cost of living index number applicable to such workers (hereinafter referred to as the “cost of living allowance”); or (ii) a basic rate of wages with or without the cost of living allowance and the cash value of the concessions in respect of supplies of essential commodities at concessional rates, where so authorised; or (iii) an all inclusive rate allowing for the basic rate, the cost of living allowance and the cash value of the concessions, if any. (2) The cost of living allowance and the cash value of the concessions in respect of supplies of essential commodities at concessional rates shall be computed by the competent authority at such intervals and in accordance with such directions as may be specified or given by the appropriate Government.