In a move which might offset the disparity in wages of private workers/employees, a Parliamentary Standing Committee is likely to make recommendations for fixing uniform wages across the country.
 
Minimum wage/salary differs from company to company and from city to city across the country.  While the minimum amount as salary stands at Rs.20,000 in metros and major cities, those in villages and small towns are paid only Rs.6000.  It is this disparity in pay that the Committee seeks to address by way of its recommendation which was presented to the Centre yesterday.
 
As per the recommendation, all establishments across the country would have to provide a minimum wage/salary to their employees and workers.  ‘All establishments’ cover Govt. agencies/offices, private/charity organizations, registered/unregistered establishments, start-up firms, etc.  It should also be ensured that staff members are not made to work beyond eight hours on any given day.  Experienced workers should be getting more than freshers.  Establishments not implementing these would be penalized to the tune of Rs.10 lakhs.
 
Minimum wage/salary would be fixed in consultation with State Govt. representatives and others.  Once the recommendations on wages are made, they would be amended once in five years, Committee sources say.  This is likely to benefit 48 lakh workers and employees across the country, including 82.7% of those from non-organized sectors.