Hi All,

As per the notification of the labor office (DA), the minimum wages (Maharashtra) amount for unskilled labor is basic (3600) + DA (3927) = 7527 + 5% HRA (376) = 7903. My question is, if we are paying a gross salary more than the minimum wages, i.e., Rs. 10000, but to save PF costs, we are showing basic + DA = 7000, HRA (2800), Team Allowance (200).

I need your advice on whether it is okay as per the Minimum Wages Act to follow the above salary structure. If not, please suggest some alternatives.

From India, Pen

Dear Roysonbanet,

We are not supposed to deviate from any statutory practices as prescribed by the law for any reason. The basic salary should always be the same or more than Basic + DA as prescribed in the minimum wages notification. Not following the right practice may attract statutory problems during inspections.

Thank you.



Dear Manoj Sir,

I have a question regarding the same. I have gone through a judgment of Karnataka High Court in which they have mentioned that "Minimum Wages-Basis-One Package of fixed amount comprising various components based on the cost of living- not to be split into components-Cost of Living includes also Variable Dearness allowance-Employer paying more than the minimum wages- Not liable to pay any further amount on the basis of variable dearness allowance-Minimum Wages Act, 1948 SS.2(h), 3, 4, 5."

I need your advice on the above statement.

From India, Pen

As long as you are paying a salary higher than the Minimum Wages by dividing the salary into various components, you are not violating the law. Therefore, many organizations are taking advantage of this by showing lower Basic Pay to reduce the PF and Gratuity liabilities.

Regarding Bonus, you are required to pay a minimum Bonus of Rs. 7,000 if the employee has worked for the full year without any deduction in salary. In this case, you are not allowed to take advantage of a lower Basic pay. For instance, even if an employee is receiving a Basic pay of Rs. 4,000 per month, they will receive an annual Bonus of Rs. 7,000 or as per the earned Minimum Wages, whichever is higher.

Please find attached the Court Judgments of Delhi & P&H High Courts on the subject for your reference.

Suresh

From India, Thane
Attached Files (Download Requires Membership)
File Type: pdf Courts Judgements on Minimum_wages_Vs._Basic_wages,_Mumbai.pdf (115.8 KB, 372 views)


Dear Roysonbanet, Additionally please find attached herewith clarification by EPFO over Basic and CTC amount for contribution. Hopefully this will be more helpful for the understanding.
Attached Files (Download Requires Membership)
File Type: pdf NO Contribution on CTC-1.pdf (530.2 KB, 463 views)


PF can be paid on minimum wages(Basic+ VDA) not on gross salary. But one can not bifurcate minimum wages for calculation of PF. Regards Jitendra Das
From India, Bhubaneswar

Hi Manoj Kamble,

As you wrote, "Basic salary should always be the same or more than Basic + DA as prescribed in the minimum wages notification." Could you share any such notification? I need it.

Thanks
Regards,
Uday

From India, Bangalore

Dear Sir, I would like to request you please provide the latest CTC calculator as per minimum wages act. Regards, Pravin Rajurkar hrd@tirumallaoil.com
From India, Nagpur

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