Minimum wages not compulsory for un-skilled labour in govt deptt

The simple truth is this no one neither a private contractor nor a government department can pay or offer wages below the minimum wages fixed by the State Government. The Minimum Wages Act applies fully to outsourced/contract labour working for government departments in Uttarakhand. There is no exception for “government tenders.” So the rate of ₹110 per day is not just low, it is illegal, and if you accept it you will be held responsible, not the department.If you go ahead with this work order, you will face penalties, labour complaints, and even the possibility of being blacklisted from future tenders. So you need to protect yourself now.

What you should immediately do:

1. Write a formal objection to the tendering department saying that the offered rate forces you to violate minimum wages, and therefore you cannot legally execute the work at ₹110/day.

2. Attach the latest Uttarakhand minimum wage notification (this is your strongest proof). This one document is enough to protect you.

3. Tell them clearly that You are ready to do the work, But only at a rate that allows you to pay legal wages to the workers.

4. If the department insists on the illegal rate, submit a copy of your objection to the State Labour Commissioner. They usually intervene quickly because the department cannot legally approve any rate below the notified minimum wage.

5. Do NOT start the work or sign the agreement until the department revises the rate. Otherwise legally you are responsible for underpayment, not them.

Minimum wages are compulsory for outsourced, contract, and tender-based workers in Uttarakhand—there is no exception.No government department can override or ignore minimum wage notifications.