Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a hike in daily wages of workers within the range of Rs 472 to Rs 622 with an increase in Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) with retrospective effect from April 1. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced it Friday while addressing the state-level celebration of International Workers’ Day in Bhubaneswar.
The revised wages will raise the daily earnings of unskilled workers to Rs 472, semi-skilled workers to Rs 522, skilled workers to Rs 572, and highly skilled workers to Rs 622. The increase of Rs 10 in VDA will be implemented retrospectively from April 1, the Chief Minister announced.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to labour welfare, Majhi said that more than 5 lakh construction workers have been newly registered under the Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board during the 2025–26 financial year, with assistance exceeding Rs 541 crore disbursed so far.
Identity cards were distributed to 6,000 workers across the state, along with financial assistance worth Rs 150 crore, covering education, marriage, and death benefits. Paying tribute to the contribution of workers, the Chief Minister said that labourers are the true builders of human civilisation and their relentless efforts drive the progress of both the state and the nation. CM Majhi emphasised the need to ensure fair wages, social security, workplace safety, and dignity for all workers.
Focusing on employment generation, Majhi noted that increased industrialisation and skill development across districts are expected to address distress migration. He said reverse migration has already begun, with workers returning from places like Tiruppur and Coimbatore to take up jobs in Odisha’s textile sector.
“In the last 22 months, around 92,000 youths have secured employment in the private sector, including nearly 10,000 who have returned from other states,” he added.
