Minimum Wages in India 2025: What You Must Know

Minimum wages in India serve as a cornerstone of labour protection and income equality. As 2025 unfolds, legislative developments have added fresh layers of complexity to this dynamic regulatory terrain. From state-level notifications to central policies in waiting, businesses are under increasing pressure to understand and comply with evolving standards.

This guide demystifies the latest wage updates, offers a breakdown of state-wise changes, and prepares you for the upcoming shift from the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 to the long-awaited Code on Wages, 2019. Whether you’re an HR manager, compliance officer, or small business owner, this article will help you navigate these changes confidently.

Minimum Wages in India 2025 in Comparison with Last Year

In 2024, India’s minimum wage framework continued to embody the values of equitable labor standards as laid out in the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. Both the Central and State Governments remained empowered to define wage floors, adapting them to socio-economic and industrial realities.

However, as we step into 2025, the wage landscape has grown more nuanced. Several states have already rolled out fresh notifications. Others have postponed revisions or extended existing wage slabs due to economic uncertainties. This makes it challenging for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions to stay legally aligned.

Accordingly, this updated edition offers an exhaustive look at the newly published minimum wage notifications by state. Additionally, it explores expected transitions under the Code on Wages, 2019—a consolidated framework that aims to replace the archaic structure of wage regulation in India.

MINIMUM WAGES FOR STATES ACROSS INDIA