Running a small shop or business does not mean minimum wage compliance can be overlooked. Haryana’s Labour Commissioner has specifically directed field officers to ensure that the minimum wages notification dated 9 April 2026 is implemented across establishments, including petty establishments.
The direction, issued through Letter No. 25744–860 dated 5 October 2026, is addressed to all Deputy Labour Commissioners, Assistant Labour Commissioners and Labour Inspectors in the state. It calls for implementation in letter and spirit and warns that laxity will be viewed seriously.
Why has this direction been issued?
The letter refers to CWP-PIL-255 of 2026, Court on Its Own Motion v. State of Haryana, pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The matter concerns alleged non-implementation of the April notification in petty establishments. According to the letter, the next hearing is scheduled for 28 October 2026.
What does this mean for employers?
The October letter reinforces enforcement of the existing wage notification; it does not prescribe a fresh set of wage rates. Small establishments covered by the notification should review compliance just as carefully as larger businesses.
As a practical compliance review, employers and payroll teams should:
Check the applicable wage rate: Verify the employee’s category and the rate under the relevant notification.
Compare wages actually paid: Identify any shortfall against the applicable minimum.
Review earlier payroll periods: Where a shortfall exists, calculate the difference from the applicable effective date.
Keep supporting records ready: Maintain attendance, wage registers, salary slips and payment evidence.
Check outsourced manpower payments: Seek relevant wage records from contractors to identify potential gaps.
Do not confuse the hearing date with a compliance deadline. The letter does not grant employers time until 28 October to implement the wage notification. Likewise, the date of the enforcement letter should not be treated as the starting date of the underlying wage obligation.
For employers in Haryana, the practical next step is to check payroll now, correct identified shortfalls and keep clear evidence of payment.