Delhi CM First Major Decision: Announces Hike in Minimum Wages

On Wednesday, Delhi’s newly appointed Chief Minister, Atishi announced a hike in the minimum wage for workers across various categories in the national capital, providing unskilled workers with a minimum salary of ₹18,066 per month, semi-skilled workers ₹19,929, and skilled workers ₹21,917 per month.

While addressing her first press conference after becoming the CM, Atishi emphasised that Arvind Kejriwal, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has played an important role in establishing the “highest” minimum wages in India.

She said, “If you look at the minimum wages across the country, the Kejriwal government has implemented the highest minimum wages in the nation.’

MUST READ: Mallikarjun Kharge Mocks At PM Modi’s ‘Make In India’, Calls It A ‘Stunt’

Atishi Criticises BJP

Atishi also accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), of neglecting the needs of the working class and poors. “We can see it in the way they handle minimum wages in the states they govern,” she claimed. She also said that BJP-ruled states have significantly lower wages as compared to Delhi.”

She also promised to keep a tradition of revising wages twice a year, criticising BJP for trying to stop them. She said, “We had to fight in court to get justice for the common people of Delhi,” she said. 

“By raising the minimum wage to a historic level, we are protecting the rights of workers. It’s a testament to our commitment to the people,” she added.

Atishi’s Meeting With Bureaucrats

Atishi’s announcement came just days after she assumed the role of Chief Minister on September 22, following Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation on September 17. She also held her first meeting with ministers and department heads. The meeting involved key AAP ministers including Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Kailash Gahlot.

ALSO READ: Watch: Atishi Becomes Delhi’s Chief Minister, Honors Arvind Kejriwal With Empty Chair