Gujarat Minimum Wages – Dearness Allowance Revision (Effective: 01 April 2026 to 30 September 2026)

The Government of Gujarat has notified the revised Dearness Allowance (DA) component of minimum wages for the period 01 April 2026 to 30 September 2026. The revision is based on the Consumer Price Index and is applicable to all scheduled employments.

As per the notification, the revised DA is ₹60.5 per day and must be added to the basic wages to determine the total minimum wages payable.

Revised Minimum Wages Structure (Including DA)

Based on the notification and computed totals, the revised wage rates are as follows:

Zone – 1 (Municipal Corporation Areas)

Zone – 2 (Rural Areas – Population Below 10 Lakhs)

Zone Classification

• Zone – 1: Municipal Corporation Areas

• Zone – 2: Rural Areas with population below 10 lakhs

Applicability

• All establishments covered under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948

• All scheduled employments in Gujarat

• All categories of employees (Skilled, Semi-skilled, Unskilled)

Compliance Requirements

1. Payroll Implementation

Employers must implement the revised wages from April 2026 payroll onwards. Any delay should be corrected through arrears.

2. Statutory Impact

The increase in DA will affect:

• Provident Fund (PF) contributions

• ESIC contributions (where applicable)

• Bonus eligibility and calculations

• Gratuity liability

3. Contract Labour Compliance

• Contractors must revise wages accordingly

• The principal employer remains responsible for compliance

• Wage registers must reflect revised rates

4. Documentation

Employers should ensure the following:

• Updated wage registers

• Revised salary structures

• Proper classification of employees

• Supporting documents for inspection

Legal Position

The revision is issued under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and is legally binding. Non-compliance may result in:

• Recovery of short-paid wages

• Penalties and prosecution

• Adverse inspection remarks

Conclusion

The Gujarat DA revision effective April to September 2026 requires immediate attention from employers. Proper implementation, statutory alignment, and documentation are essential to ensure full compliance and avoid regulatory exposure.

Employers are advised to review their wage structures and ensure that all employees, including contract labor, are paid as per the revised minimum wages.

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The Government of Gujarat has revised the Dearness Allowance (DA) for minimum wages effective 01 April 2026 to 30 September 2026, mandating employers to update wage structures across all scheduled employments. The revised DA of ₹60.5 per day significantly impacts total wages, statutory contributions such as PF and ESIC, and overall compliance obligations. Employers must ensure immediate payroll alignment, including for contract labor, to avoid penalties under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.