Minimum rate of wages

(1) Any minimum rate of wages fixed or revised by the appropriate Government in respect of scheduled employments under section 3 may consist of— (i) a basic rate of wages and a special allowance at a rate to be adjusted, at such intervals and in such manner as the appropriate Government may direct, to accord as nearly as practicable with the variation in the cost of living index number applicable to such workers (hereinafter referred to as the “cost of living allowance”); or (ii) a basic rate of wages with or without the cost of living allowance, and the cash value of the concessions in respect of supplies of essential commodities at concession rates, where so authorised; or (iii) an all-inclusive rate allowing for the basic rate, the cost of living allowance and the cash value of the concessions, if any. (2) The cost of living allowance and the cash value of the concessions in respect of supplies of essential commodities at concession rates shall be computed by the competent authority at such intervals and in accordance with such directions as may be specified or given by the appropriate Government. (1) In sub-section (1), for the word "in cash", the words "by crediting it in the bank account of the employees electronically or through account payee cheque" shall be substituted. (2) After sub-section (1), the following proviso shall be inserted:-- "Provided that the wages of the workers engaged on daily wage basis shall be paid in cash, which shall not be less than the minimum wages notified by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi from time to time. Provided further that in special circumstances, beyond the control of the employer, such as fire in the establishment, natural calamities, death of the employer or directors of the establishment and other such circumstances as determined by the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi, the wages can be paid in cash." In Section 11 of the Principal Act, in its application to the National Capital Territory of Delhi,-- (1) in Sub-section (1), for the words "in cash", the words "by depositing the same in the bank account of the employees, electronically or by account payee cheque" shall be substituted. (2) In Sub-section (1), the following provisos shall be inserted, namely:- "Provided that payment of wages to the workers employed on daily wages basis, not less than minimum wages as notified from time to time by appropriate Government, may be made in cash; Provided further that in special circumstances which are beyond the control of employer like- fire in the establishment, natural calamities, death of employer or director of the establishment and other such circumstances as prescribed by appropriate government, the payment of wages may be made in cash.".