Minimum wages in Karnataka, November 2026.

From 22 May 2026, unskilled work in 79 employments, including engineering, construction, shops, hotels and security, pays at least ₹24,407.23 a month in Bengaluru city (Zone 1), basic plus VDA. Foundries, power plants and cleaning work pay more, and 19 piece-rated employments, including garments, agriculture and plantations, keep rates of their own. No newer notification was listed when we checked in November 2026, so these rates still apply.

Updated 3 November 2026. How we check

Pay rates in Karnataka

Single notification: 79 employments

Single notification: 79 employments: minimum wages in Karnataka from 22 May 2026, in rupees
Skilla month, then a dayZone 1Zone 2Zone 3
Highly skilled₹32,144.82₹1,236.33₹29,316.27₹1,127.54₹26,744.87₹1,028.64
Skilled₹29,316.27₹1,127.54₹26,744.87₹1,028.64₹24,407.23₹938.73
Semi-skilled₹26,744.87₹1,028.64₹24,407.23₹938.73₹22,282.10₹856.99
Unskilled₹24,407.23₹938.73₹22,282.10₹856.99₹20,350.16₹782.69
Zone 1
Areas under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (Bengaluru city).
Zone 2
Other city corporations and every district headquarters.
Zone 3
All other areas, including industrial areas outside Bengaluru city.
Show breakdown
Single notification: 79 employments: Basic (notified) and VDA, per month, in rupees
SkillBasic (notified)VDA
Zone 1
Highly skilled₹31,114.02₹1,030.80
Skilled₹28,285.47₹1,030.80
Semi-skilled₹25,714.07₹1,030.80
Unskilled₹23,376.43₹1,030.80
Zone 2
Highly skilled₹28,285.47₹1,030.80
Skilled₹25,714.07₹1,030.80
Semi-skilled₹23,376.43₹1,030.80
Unskilled₹21,251.30₹1,030.80
Zone 3
Highly skilled₹25,714.07₹1,030.80
Skilled₹23,376.43₹1,030.80
Semi-skilled₹21,251.30₹1,030.80
Unskilled₹19,319.36₹1,030.80

In force from 22 May 2026. Notification No. LD 411 LWA 2023.

Zone 1 is the Greater Bengaluru Authority area. Industrial areas outside it, such as Bommasandra, Jigani and Attibele, are Zone 3 unless they fall in a city corporation or district headquarters. Jobs in Bengaluru

Get an email when Karnataka’s rates change.

Every scheduled employment

Karnataka sets minimum wages for 102 kinds of work. The 22 May 2026 notification covers 83 of them, in the table above or at a higher rate of their own; those figures are its basic rate plus the VDA of ₹1,030.80 a month. It leaves 19 piece-rated employments to a committee, and until the committee reports, their earlier notifications apply: their figures are the Labour Department's rates for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, basic plus that notification's own VDA; piece rates are shown as set, with the VDA added to them in each note. The department lists rates for 16 of the 19.

  • 79 employments: Annexures 1 and 3In the table above

    Soft drinks, including aerated and mineral water and fruit juice, and allied processes, Arecanut (supari) industries, Automobile engineering, including manufacturing, assembling, body building, servicing and repair, Bakeries and baking processes, Tobacco processing, Biscuit manufacturing, Brass, copper, aluminium, steel and hindalium utensils and other metal products, Carpentry and saw mills, Plywood manufacturing, Wood timber depots, Cardamom malais and cardamom plantations, Clay pottery, ceramics, stoneware and allied products, Clubs, Confectionery, Cotton ginning, pressing and allied processes, Building and other construction work, Domestic work in homes, including domestic helpers, childcare helpers and home nurses, Electronics industries, Electronics and electroplating, Any employment not in the schedule, Engineering, fabrication and allied industries, Motion pictures (cinema and short films): production, distribution, publicity and allied work, Food processing and packing, including ready-to-eat foods, drinks and spices, Glass and glassware, Granite stones and marble, Hospitals, maternity homes, nursing homes, clinics and de-addiction centres, Hostels, guest houses, home stays, paying guest accommodation, serviced apartments, residents' associations, and marriage and community halls, Hotels, residential hotels, restaurants, motels, lodges, dhabas, canteens, outdoor catering and allied establishments, Ice factories, ice cream and cold storage, Khandsari sugar factories, Laundry and dry cleaning, Liquor manufacture (distilleries and breweries), including bottling and packing, Ayurvedic, yoga, unani, siddha, homoeopathic and allopathic medicine manufacture, including production, distribution and publicity, Mandakki, avalakki, churumuri and similar products from rice, paddy, jowar or other grains, Metal rolling and re-rolling (ferrous), Metal rolling and re-rolling (non-ferrous), Mini cement plants, Mosaic tiles, floor tiles and glazed tiles, Oil mills, Petrol, diesel and LPG pumps, Plastic, poly plastic, rubber and PVC pipe manufacturing, Printing and publishing, Private finance corporations, chit funds and lawful non-banking cash businesses, Milk procurement, processing and distribution, Public motor transport, Paper, pulp, cardboard, straw board and newsprint, Rice, grain and dal mills, Rubber products, including foam and coir rubber, Sales promotion of medicines and household goods, Security agencies, including every establishment that takes office or security staff through an agency, Shops and commercial establishments, Spun pipes, concrete pipes, sanitary fittings, and PCC and RCC pipes and poles, Metal almirahs, chairs, tables and other furniture, Stone breaking and stone crushing, Roof tile manufacturing, Toddy tapping, Urban local bodies and panchayat raj institutions, Co-operative societies, Gold and silver ornaments, and cutting and polishing of gems and diamonds, Sericulture units and processes, part 1, Sericulture units and processes, part 2, Non-teaching staff of private schools, colleges and training centres, E-commerce and courier services, Offices of religious and social institutions, such as temples, maths, churches, mosques, gurudwaras, basadis and viharas, Amusement parks, water theme parks and other commercial recreation places, Mobile tower maintenance, TV cable networks and similar work, Inland water transport: commercial motor boats, launches, traditional boats and fishing boats, Aluminium and tin products, Cane and bamboo, Coconut and coir products, Computer, cyber and internet centres, Handicrafts, LPG storage and distribution, Borewell drilling and maintenance, Salt making, M-sand units, Poultry, bird rearing and animal husbandry, Toy making, Ready-mix concrete plants.

    These rates are in the table above: Single notification: 79 employments.

    The first 61 are Annexure 1, employments already in the schedule; the last 18 are Annexure 3, added to the schedule for the first time. Workers who clean toilets, bathrooms or drains in any of them are paid the scavenging rate below.

  • Cleaning of toilets, bathrooms and drains (scavenging), in any scheduled employmentFrom ₹22,282.10
    Cleaning of toilets, bathrooms and drains (scavenging), in any scheduled employment: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees a month, basic wage plus VDA of ₹1,030.80
    SkillZone 1Zone 2Zone 3
    All private safai karmacharis, including cleaning by machine₹26,744.87₹24,407.23₹22,282.10
    Zone 1
    Greater Bengaluru Authority area
    Zone 2
    Other city corporations and every district headquarters
    Zone 3
    All other areas

    Annexure 2 of the notification. One rate for every worker who cleans drains, bathrooms or toilets, at the level of a semi-skilled worker in the 79 employments.

    Basic wage plus VDA of ₹1,030.80. Notification LD 411 LWA 2023 of 22 May 2026. PDF, Kannada, 426 KB

  • Power generation unitsFrom ₹24,407.23
    Power generation units: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees a month, basic wage plus VDA of ₹1,030.80
    SkillThermal power stationsHydro, solar and wind power stations
    Highly skilled: senior engineer, engineer, gang leader, assistant, deputy and plant manager₹35,256.22₹32,144.82
    Skilled: junior engineer, senior technician, electrician, maistry, O&M officer, senior associate, driver, fitter or mechanic, welder₹32,144.82₹29,316.27
    Semi-skilled: engineering operator, technician, assistant cook, electrician, junior engineer, lineman₹29,316.27₹26,744.87
    Unskilled: attender, watchman, helper, housekeeper, security, office boy₹26,744.87₹24,407.23

    Annexure 2 of the notification. One rate across the state, with no zones. The notification lists some jobs (electrician, junior engineer) at two levels; the work done decides which applies.

    Basic wage plus VDA of ₹1,030.80. Notification LD 411 LWA 2023 of 22 May 2026. PDF, Kannada, 426 KB

  • Foundries, with or without a machine shop, Chemical fertiliser, pesticide and insecticide manufacturingFrom ₹22,282.10
    Foundries, with or without a machine shop, Chemical fertiliser, pesticide and insecticide manufacturing: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees a month, basic wage plus VDA of ₹1,030.80
    SkillZone 1Zone 2Zone 3
    Highly skilled₹35,256.22₹32,144.82₹29,316.27
    Skilled₹32,144.82₹29,316.27₹26,744.87
    Semi-skilled₹29,316.27₹26,744.87₹24,407.23
    Unskilled₹26,744.87₹24,407.23₹22,282.10
    Zone 1
    Greater Bengaluru Authority area
    Zone 2
    Other city corporations and every district headquarters
    Zone 3
    All other areas

    Annexure 2 of the notification. One step above the 79 employments in each zone: Zone 2 here is Zone 1 there.

    Basic wage plus VDA of ₹1,030.80. Notification LD 411 LWA 2023 of 22 May 2026. PDF, Kannada, 426 KB

  • Agriculture and allied workFrom ₹549.97 a day
    Agriculture and allied work: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Category A: up-rooting, excavating, ploughing by tractor, ploughing, breaking lumps of soil, trimming of bunds, alignment & leveling of bunds, ploughing to form bunds, making beds for close broad casting, leveling the land for paddy cultivation, carrying out kunte and halube operations, working in bushes and carrying out kunte, halube operations to cover soil on seeds broadcasted, transportation of manure, feeding manure, feeding chemical manure, trimming the seedlings mixing chemical manure, spraying of medicines, sowing, drill sowing, transplanting, transplanting and sowing in dry land, irrigation, lifting water from picotta and lifting water physically, spacing by removal of intervening plants in paddy area, thinning of sugarcane, mid term cultivation, winnowing, casting soil to the roots of garden crops, sugarcane, maize and potato crops, plant protection operation, to tie up sugarcane to avoid swaying, harvesting a) cutting b) thrashing c) winnowing, production and transportation of produce, cleaning, plucking (in cotton crops), other works₹549.97₹14,299.16
    Category B: watching over the birds, driving out birds from eating the crops, grazing cows and washing the cattle, grazing cattle, sheep and goats, poultry and piggery farm works, other similar works₹549.97₹14,299.16
    Category C: jaggery making, curing tobacco, pollination, pruning work in grape farms, harvesting coconut and arecanut, plucking coconut and arecanut, trimming and spraying work in arecanut and coconut farms, de-husking coconut and arecanut, baking arecanut, other works in areca-nut and coconut farms, harvesting betel leaf and pepper, other works in plant nursery fruit and flowers cultivation, other similar works₹549.97₹14,299.16

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹148.71 a day (₹3,866.40 a month): 3,222 points above 7,106, as the Labour Department works it out. The same notification pays ₹160 for one bundle of tendu (beedi) leaves; the sheet does not add a VDA to it.

    Notification KAE 228 LWA 2018 of 11 December 2019. PDF, 336 KB

  • Agarbatti and incense making: staff and daily-rated workersFrom ₹13,856.76 a month
    Agarbatti and incense making: staff and daily-rated workers: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a month
    WorkA month
    Supervisor₹15,561.76
    Lab Technician₹15,231.76
    Lab Assistant₹15,011.76
    Manager/ Personnel Officer₹15,836.76
    Assistant Manager/ Assistant Personal Manager₹15,561.76
    Accountant, Cashier/ Senior Clerk, Store Keeper/₹15,121.76
    Stenographer/ Computer Operator/ Receptionist₹14,956.76
    Office Boy/ Peon/Watchman/ Attender/ Sweeper/House Keeping₹13,856.76
    Lorry Driver₹14,901.76
    Car/Jeep Driver 3 Wheel Vehicle Drivers₹14,461.76
    Loaders and Unloadersa day₹562.99
    General Workersa day₹546.49

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹89.08 a day (₹2,316 a month): 1,930 points above 8,398, as the Labour Department works it out.

    Notification KAE 107 LWA 2021 of 15 September 2023. PDF, 268 KB

  • Agarbatti rolling and packing (piece rates)From ₹2.31 per 12 packets
    Agarbatti rolling and packing (piece rates): minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, rate
    WorkRate
    Rolling: grinded patti less than 9", grinded flora (durbar) patti upto 9" (thin,medium,thick)per 1,000 sticks₹75.15
    Rolling: grinded patti 9"-10", grinded flora (durbar) patti more than 9" (thin,medium,thick)per 1,000 sticks₹87.12
    Packing, packets: packets of less than 15 gramsper 12 packets₹2.31
    Packing, packets: packs of 15 grams to 50 gramsper 12 packets₹2.44
    Packing, packets: packs of 51 grams to 160 gramsper 12 packets₹2.87
    Packing, packets: packs of more than 160 gramsper 12 packets₹3.47
    Packing, packets: 2 in 1 packsper 12 packets₹2.49
    Packing, packets: 3 in 1 packsper 12 packets₹2.89
    Packing, packets: 4 in 1 packsper 12 packets₹3.47
    Packing, packets: 5 in 1 packsper 12 packets₹4.10
    Packing, packets: 7 in 1 packsper 12 packets₹5.06
    Packing, pouches: packs of 15 grams to 50 gramsper 12 packets₹2.31
    Packing, pouches: packs of 51 grams to 170 gramsper 12 packets₹2.44
    Packing, pouches: packs of more than 171 grams to 50 gramsper 12 packets₹2.49
    Packing, hexa packets: packs of more than 15 gramsper 12 packets₹3.03
    Bundle packing, any bundle sizeper kg₹4.90
    Grinders, mixers, coaters, loaders, batti machine operators, carton packers and all other employeesa day₹473.83

    Piece rates as the notification sets them, without the VDA: the Labour Department adds ₹89.08 a day to them for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Grinders, mixers and the other employees get at least ₹473.83 a day, plus the same VDA.

    Notification KAE 107 LWA 2021 of 15 September 2023. PDF, 268 KB

  • Beedi making: staff and workersFrom ₹684.01 a day
    Beedi making: staff and workers: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Highly skilled
    Manager₹837.86₹21,784.30
    Assistant Manager₹799.40₹20,784.30
    Skilled
    Cashier, Accountant, Stenographer/Computer Operator, Typist/ Data Entry Operator, Clerk (Graduate), Tobacco Mixer, Lorry / Van / Car/ Jeep Driver₹760.93₹19,784.30
    Semi-skilled
    Foreman / Beedi Checker, Store Keeper, Second Division Clerk (Under Graduate)₹722.47₹18,784.30
    Unskilled
    Distributor of Tobacco Leaves, Sigadi Workers / Battiwala / tarayiwala, Loaders and Un Loaders, Vehicle Cleaner, Office Boy / Peon / Watchman / Attender₹684.01₹17,784.30

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹49.40 a day (₹1,284.30 a month): 1,427 points above 8,901, as the Labour Department works it out. This notification's VDA is 3 paise a day a point, not 4.

    Notification KAE 65 LWA 2023 of 27 February 2025. PDF, 166 KB

  • Beedi rolling and labelling, including home workers (piece rates)From ₹319.40 per 1,000 beedis
    Beedi rolling and labelling, including home workers (piece rates): minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, rate with vda
    WorkRate with VDA
    Beedi rollers, including home workersper 1,000 beedis₹319.40
    Beedi labelling, including home workersper 50,000 beedis bundled₹324.40

    The Labour Department adds the VDA of ₹49.40 to each piece rate: ₹270 and ₹275 basic.

    Notification KAE 65 LWA 2023 of 27 February 2025. PDF, 166 KB

  • Brick making and pre-stressed productsFrom ₹559.97 a day
    Brick making and pre-stressed products: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Factory workers
    Brick Slicers₹603.65₹15,694.89
    Brick Burners, Clay mixers₹609.47₹15,846.32
    Fire wood slitters, Kiln repairer₹597.82₹15,543.47
    Table mould bricks
    Clay Kneaders₹594.91₹15,467.75
    Kiln setters (1,000 bricks)₹637.76₹16,581.82
    Sorting separating Burnt Bricks₹597.82₹15,543.30
    Hand moulding bricks
    Sorting Burnt Bricks (per day)₹597.82₹15,543.47
    Driver₹598.47₹15,560.20
    Cleaner₹559.97₹14,559.20
    Office staff
    Clerk / Typist₹598.47₹15,560.20
    Cashier, Store Keeper₹640.82₹16,661.30
    Watchman, Attender / Office Boy / Office Peon, Sweeper₹559.97₹14,559.20
    Manager₹724.97₹18,872.20
    Accountant₹687.42₹17,872.20
    Stenographer₹640.82₹16,661.20
    Foreman₹725.85₹18,872.20
    Supervisor₹687.41₹17,872.51

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹174.97 a day (₹4,549.20 a month): 3,791 points above 6,537, as the Labour Department works it out.

    Notification KAE 43 LMW 2017 of 30 December 2017. PDF, 312 KB

  • Brick moulding, kiln and loading work (rates per task)From ₹417.27 per task, as listed
    Brick moulding, kiln and loading work (rates per task): minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, per task, as listed
    WorkPer task, as listed
    Table mould bricks
    Clay transporter, loaders, unloaders (in a group of 4 general assistants)₹653.15
    Bricks Moulding (with 5 assistants)₹728.03
    Engaged in putting coal or fire wood₹1,174.41
    Loading / unloading of bricks to lorry (per 1,000 Bricks)₹574.53
    Hand moulding bricks
    Bricks slicers (with 10 assistants per 1,000 bricks)₹658.97
    Kiln Settlers (settling for 1000 bricks)₹606.56
    Putting coal and fire wood (per kiln)₹1,602.48
    Arani Makers per line₹417.27
    Loaders / unloaders of Burnt Bricks (per 1000 bricks)₹559.97

    The sheet prints one figure for these, basic plus the VDA of ₹174.97, without saying whether it is a day's rate or a rate for the task named; the labels carry the sheet's own units.

    Notification KAE 43 LMW 2017 of 30 December 2017. PDF, 312 KB

  • Cashew processing: technical, canteen, office and other staffFrom ₹530.85 a day
    Cashew processing: technical, canteen, office and other staff: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Technical and other
    Fitters, Mechanics, Electricians, Operators Assistant Operator / lever operators) Fireman, Bag Carrier, Dry yards Workers₹585.85₹15,232
    Expeller Workers, Tin Can Manufacturers / Soldering Works₹570.85₹14,842
    Canteen Workers
    Cook & coffee / tea maker₹560.85₹14,582
    Servers & Suppliers₹530.85₹13,802
    Cleaners /Helper₹530.85₹13,802
    General Workers
    Ladies Yard Workers / creche/ Aya's / House Workers, watchmen₹530.85₹13,802
    Drivers
    Lorry Driver₹570.85₹14,842
    Car/Jeep Driver₹560.85₹14,582
    Lorry/Jeep/Car Cleaner₹530.85₹13,802
    Office staff
    Manager₹615.85₹16,012
    Assistant Manager₹600.85₹15,622
    Accountant₹590.85₹15,362
    Cashier / Supervisor, Computer Operator / Data Entry Operator₹585.85₹15,232
    Store keeper₹540.85₹14,062
    Clerk₹540.85₹14,062
    Office boy/peon/ /Attender₹530.85₹13,802

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹160.85 a day (₹4,182 a month): 3,485 points above 6,843, as the Labour Department works it out.

    Notification KAE 45 LWA 2018 of 19 May 2018. PDF, 273 KB

  • Cashew shelling, peeling, grading and packingFrom ₹10 per kg
    Cashew shelling, peeling, grading and packing: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, rate
    WorkRate
    Sheller, machine (without electricity)per kg of whole kernels₹28
    Shelling sortersa day₹375
    Shelling scoopingper kg of whole kernels₹30
    Peeling sortersa day₹375
    Peeling wholesper kg of whole kernels₹35
    Peeling piecesper kg₹10
    Packers and gradersa day₹375

    Rates without the VDA: the sheet adds ₹160.85 a day to shelling and peeling work, and the notification gives the VDA to every category. It prints no rate for hand shellers using electricity.

    Notification KAE 45 LWA 2018 of 19 May 2018. PDF, 273 KB

  • Cinchona, rubber, tea and coffee plantations: mazdoors, rubber tappers, maistries and supervisorsFrom ₹492.86 a day
    Cinchona, rubber, tea and coffee plantations: mazdoors, rubber tappers, maistries and supervisors: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Supervisors and maistries₹511.86₹13,308.40
    Cinchona, tea, coffee and mixed plantation mazdoors₹492.86₹12,814.40
    Rubber plantation mazdoors (rubber tappers)₹492.86₹12,814.40

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹65.86 a day (₹1,712.40 a month): 1,427 points above 8,901, as the Labour Department works it out.

    Notification KAE 102 LWA 2023 of 10 February 2025. PDF, 98 KB

  • Cinchona, rubber, tea, coffee and mixed plantations: skilled and other non-staff workersFrom ₹523.86 a day
    Cinchona, rubber, tea, coffee and mixed plantations: skilled and other non-staff workers: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Skilled
    Electrical Wireman, Mechanic₹561.86₹14,608.40
    Heavy vehicle driver, Car & Tractor Driver₹548.86₹14,270.40
    Semi-skilled
    Carpenter, Blacksmith₹529.86₹13,776.40
    Unskilled
    Tappalman, Sweeper, Attender, Helper (Assistant)₹523.86₹13,620.40

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹65.86 a day (₹1,712.40 a month): 1,427 points above 8,901, as the Labour Department works it out.

    Notification KAE 103 LWA 2023 of 10 February 2025. PDF, 107 KB

  • Coffee curingFrom ₹559.85 a day
    Coffee curing: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Garbling and yard
    Garblers, Graders, General Yard Workers₹567.65₹14,758.80
    Garbling shed workers and creche workers₹559.85₹14,556
    Canteen Workers
    Canteen Supervisor₹585.85₹15,232
    Cook₹578.85₹15,050
    Assistant Canteen Cook / supplier₹573.85₹14,920
    Canteen cleaner₹566.85₹14,738
    Machine Room Employees
    Foreman₹601.54₹15,640
    Assistant Foreman₹584.11₹15,187
    Engine Driver₹582.61₹15,148
    Assistant Engine Driver or Mechanic₹581.08₹15,108
    Fireman, Fitter₹582.65₹15,149
    Assistant Fitter, Any other category of machine rooms worker₹567.54₹14,756
    Yard Employees
    Yard Superintendent, Maistry₹595.35₹15,479
    Carpenter, Mason₹576.81₹14,997
    Garbling Shed Staff
    Garbling Maistry₹576.81₹14,997
    Mukadama / Moopathies / Sorters₹573.35₹14,907
    Office and factory staff
    Cashier/ Stenographer₹664.11₹17,267
    Clerk / Typist₹619.65₹16,111
    Vehicle Driver₹579.23₹15,060
    Watchman / Peon / Attender₹559.85₹14,556

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹160.85 a day (₹4,182 a month): 3,485 points above 6,843, as the Labour Department works it out.

    Notification KAE 246 LWA 2018 of 20 November 2019. PDF, 283 KB

  • Fish catching and processing, prawn and crab processing, and export of frog legsFrom ₹609.31 a day
    Fish catching and processing, prawn and crab processing, and export of frog legs: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Processing and catching
    Project Officer, Plant In charge, Marketing Officer, Field Officer, Engineer₹774.31₹20,131.92
    Cold Storage Supervisor, Processing Supervisor, Production Supervisor and other Supervisors₹768.81₹19,988.92
    Chemist, Technician.cum. Supervisor, Operator, Machine Operator, Process Worker, Curing Operator, Grading, Heavy Duty Driver, Electrician, Carpenter, Mechanic, Boiler operator, Refrigerator Mechanic, Driver, Telephone Operator, Workers engaged in fishing with per seine net₹735.81₹19,130.92
    Laboratory Assistant, Procurement Assistant, Constructor of water blocks, Assistants engaged in prawns seedling production, Transporters of fish seedlings and putting in ponds, pulling of nets, boat driver, light Boat driver₹719.30₹18,701.92
    Ice dumper /dumper, unloaders from boats, transporters to markets, salesman, workers engaged in bringing motor boats into the water and bringing back to the land, deck loader, deck unloader, fish cutters, peeling and cleaners, ice breakers₹697.31₹18,701.92
    Workers engaged in mixing ice and salt mixing to fish, fish drying, watchman, transportation of fish seedlings from place to place, manure fish feeders, fishing of prawns, (lakes, rivers and ponds fish), transporters, attender, vehicle cleaners, cleaners, mazdoors (working on land)₹697.31₹18,129.92
    Office staff
    Manager /Personnel Officer₹729.56₹18,968.56
    Assistant Manager/ Assistant Personnel Manager₹735.81₹19,130.92
    Accountant/ First Division Assistant/ Graduate Assistant/Cashier/ Stenographer/ Computer Operator/Store Keeper/Clerk₹620.31₹16,127.92
    Typists / Data Entry Operator₹614.81₹15,984.92
    Office Boy/ Peon/ watchman/ Attender/ Sweeper₹609.31₹15,841.92

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹125.17 a day (₹3,254.40 a month): 2,712 points above 7,616, as the Labour Department works it out. The sheet prints the same monthly figure for rows 4 and 5, although row 5's daily rate is lower; both are shown as printed.

    Notification KAE 104 LWA 2021 of 28 July 2022. PDF, 313 KB

  • Prawn farming, weeding, peeling and veining, and frog legs (daily rates)From ₹609.31 a day
    Prawn farming, weeding, peeling and veining, and frog legs (daily rates): minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA day
    Prawn farming in salt water₹691.81
    Removal of weeds₹609.31
    Peeling and veining: big and small sizes, beheading₹691.81
    Frog legs: jumbo, big, medium and small sizes₹691.81

    Basic wage plus the VDA of ₹125.17 a day. Peeling and veining covers big and small sizes and beheading; frog legs covers every size.

    Notification KAE 104 LWA 2021 of 28 July 2022. PDF, 313 KB

  • Forestry and timberingFrom ₹620.66 a day
    Forestry and timbering: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Skilled
    Axeman, Sawyers, Mason, Carpenters, Workers engaged in transportation of logs through rivers, Workers engaged in breaking of boulders, Mahout, Agents/Supervisors/Maistries, Clerks, Data Entry Operator, Typists, Librarians, Draftsman, Wireless Operator, and other Similar work₹714.25₹18,570.47
    Semi-skilled
    Workers engaged in collecting of bamboo, cane and reeds, Kilning of charcoal workers, Workers engaged in Dying of drog ropes, Firewood/Timber loading and unloading workers, Workers engaged in Chisely numbering, Workers engaged in raft making, Mahout assistants, Seedlings planters in plantation, Sowing seeds/planting in plantation, Lift Operator, Care Taker, Anti Poaching camp watchers (APC Watchers)₹665.23₹17,295.81
    Unskilled
    Mazdoor, watchers, workers working in forest nursery and plantations, Firewood /Timber, Head carriers, Workers engaged in boundary clearing & fire protection, Workers engaged in earth works (pit making etc.), Workers engaged in construction of roads (excluding breaking of rocks), Field Assistant, Cook, Assistant Cook, watchers & Watchmen, Peons, Field Operator, sweepers, Cleaner, Pump Operator, Elephant Khavadi, Dhobi, Meti, and other Similar Work₹620.66₹16,137.03
    Drivers
    Lorry Driver, Jeep and Car Drivers and other similar works₹714.25₹18,570.47

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹148.71 a day (₹3,866.40 a month): 3,222 points above 7,106, as the Labour Department works it out. Mahouts get 25% more than the rate for their category.

    Notification KAE 57 LWA 2019 of 20 November 2019. PDF, 199 KB

  • Handloom and powerloom (cotton): office staffFrom ₹518.54 a day
    Handloom and powerloom (cotton): office staff: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Supervisor₹582₹15,132
    Accountant, Cashier, Typist / Data Entry Operator, Clerk₹541.61₹14,082
    Watchman, Hamali₹518.54₹13,482

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹160.85 a day (₹4,182 a month): 3,485 points above 6,843, as the Labour Department works it out.

    Notification KAE 22 LWA 2019 of 20 February 2019. PDF, 265 KB

  • Handloom and powerloom weaving, warping, dyeing and pern winding (piece rates)From ₹4 per piece, as listed
    Handloom and powerloom weaving, warping, dyeing and pern winding (piece rates): minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, per piece, as listed
    WorkPer piece, as listed
    Handloom sarees, plain with border, 48 to 54 inches (per metre)
    Counts 40₹30
    Counts 60₹31
    Counts 80₹35
    Counts 100-120₹40
    Handloom dhotis (per metre)
    Counts 40₹28
    Counts 60₹30
    Counts 80₹32
    Counts 80-120₹35
    Handloom furnishing fabrics, plain, by width (per metre)
    36"-48" cm (91.44-121.92)₹27
    49"-60" cm (124.46-152.40)₹29
    61"-72" cm (154.94-182.88)₹32
    73"-90" cm (185.42-228.60)₹38
    Handloom shirting (per metre)
    Counts 26-30, Width 32"₹18
    Counts 26-30, Width 50"₹22
    Handloom towels, napkins and handkerchiefs (per metre)
    Counts 40-60, Width 12"-21"₹10
    Counts 40-60, Width 22"-28"₹18
    Counts 40-60, Width 29"-36"₹21
    Counts 40-60, Width 37"-60"₹25
    Powerloom sarees, plain with border (per metre)
    48"-54" cm (121.92-137.16), counts 40₹16
    48"-54" cm (121.92-137.16), counts 60₹20
    48"-54" cm (121.92-137.16), counts 80₹24
    48"-54" cm (121.92-137.16), counts 80-120₹32
    Powerloom, other than sarees (per metre)
    20's/10's (Coating), Width 28", 36-40 (71.12 cm)₹4
    Reeds: 20's/26's (shirting), Width 30" (76.2 cm)₹4
    Reeds: 60'/64' (shirting), Width 30" (76.2 cm)₹6
    Reeds: 52 to 56 Reeds (checks), Width 30" (76.2 cm)₹8
    Reeds: 60/64(Checks), Width 30" (76.2 cm)₹9
    Reeds: Grey Cloth (60 CTS), Width 30" (76.2 cm)₹6
    Reeds: 34/40 (plain), Width 30" (76.2 cm)₹6
    Warping, handloom and powerloom (per warp of 600 yards)
    Width 30" or 76.2 cm, counts 20-30₹180
    Width 30"-54" or 76.2-137.16 cm, counts 20-30₹250
    Width 30"-54" or 76.2-137.16 cm, counts 40-60₹590
    Width 30"-54" or 76.2-137.16 cm, counts 80-120₹1,100
    Dye work (per bundle of 4.5 kg)
    With bleaching₹24
    Without bleaching₹22
    Vat colouring₹55
    Pern winding by hand (per knot, by count)
    Counts 20-30₹8
    Counts 40-60₹13
    Counts 60-80₹17
    Counts 80-120₹20
    Pern winding or reeling by machine (per knot, by count)
    Counts 20-30₹5
    Counts 40-60₹6
    Counts 60-80₹10
    Counts 80-120₹11
    Folding
    Folder₹9
    Folder, 8 hours of worka day₹100

    Weaving rates are per metre, warping per warp of 600 yards, dye work per bundle of 4.5 kg and pern winding per knot. Design work and checks earn a third more; dhobi work on powerlooms a tenth more. Rates without the VDA: the sheet prints ₹160.85 a day beside handloom weaving and does not say whether it applies to the rest. Its handloom saree table also prints an unlabelled ₹27.3, left out here.

    Notification KAE 22 LWA 2019 of 20 February 2019. PDF, 265 KB

  • Spinning millsFrom ₹13,264.62 a month
    Spinning mills: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a month
    WorkZone IZone II
    A month
    Highly skilled: Maistry and other Highly Skilled Work₹14,229.03₹14,015.29
    Skilled: Electrician, Generator Operator, Turner, Welder, Cone Winder, Winding Fitter, Carding Fitter, Preparatory Fitter, Fitter Blowroom, Spinning Fitter, Fitter Ring Prewar, Spindle Gaggers, Shapers, Presser, Stripper, Stitcher & any other skilled labourer₹13,984.04₹13,896.08
    Semi-skilled: Carding Assistant, Assistant Fitter, Preparatory Asst. Fitter, Yarn Conditioner, Carding Worker, Simpletex Tentors, III Drawing Tentors, Oilers, Sider, Resuck Weavers, Asst. Peepers, Cois Grinders, Buttling Peepers & other Semi Skilled Labourers₹13,570.63₹13,511.21
    Unskilled: Bell Brusher, Work Gap Attender, Motor Attender, Stitcher Attender, Spinning Tape Stitcher, Blowroom Attender, Carding Attender, Comber Tentor, Doffing Boys, Half Carrier, Mixing Attender / Helper, Spinning Jobber, Reelers, Mixing Mazdoors, Fitter Helper, Maintenance Helper, Binding worker, Weigher, Waste Pickers, Mazdoors, Helper.cum.Winder, Cleaning Gang, and any other unskilled labourer₹13,326.72₹13,264.62
    Accountant, Cashier, Stenographer and similar post₹15,789.52₹15,599.71
    Clerk, Typist, Store Keeper and similar post₹14,128.30₹13,941.91
    Watchman, Office Boy, Peon, Attender,and similar post₹13,619.46₹13,433.07
    A day
    Highly skilled: Maistry and other Highly Skilled Worka day₹547.27₹539.05
    Skilled: Electrician, Generator Operator, Turner, Welder, Cone Winder, Winding Fitter, Carding Fitter, Preparatory Fitter, Fitter Blowroom, Spinning Fitter, Fitter Ring Prewar, Spindle Gaggers, Shapers, Presser, Stripper, Stitcher & any other skilled labourera day₹537.85₹534.46
    Semi-skilled: Carding Assistant, Assistant Fitter, Preparatory Asst. Fitter, Yarn Conditioner, Carding Worker, Simpletex Tentors, III Drawing Tentors, Oilers, Sider, Resuck Weavers, Asst. Peepers, Cois Grinders, Buttling Peepers & other Semi Skilled Labourersa day₹521.95₹519.66
    Unskilled: Bell Brusher, Work Gap Attender, Motor Attender, Stitcher Attender, Spinning Tape Stitcher, Blowroom Attender, Carding Attender, Comber Tentor, Doffing Boys, Half Carrier, Mixing Attender / Helper, Spinning Jobber, Reelers, Mixing Mazdoors, Fitter Helper, Maintenance Helper, Binding worker, Weigher, Waste Pickers, Mazdoors, Helper.cum.Winder, Cleaning Gang, and any other unskilled labourera day₹512.57₹510.18
    Accountant, Cashier, Stenographer and similar posta day₹607.29₹599.99
    Clerk, Typist, Store Keeper and similar posta day₹543.40₹536.23
    Watchman, Office Boy, Peon, Attender,and similar posta day₹523.83₹516.66
    Zone I
    Bengaluru (BBMP) and its agglomeration, and the other city corporations
    Zone II
    All other areas

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹174.97 a day (₹4,549.20 a month): 3,791 points above 6,537, as the Labour Department works it out.

    Notification KAE 2 LWA 2023 of 17 January 2023. PDF, 310 KB

  • Garments, costumes and tailoringFrom ₹12,490.10 a month
    Garments, costumes and tailoring: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a month
    WorkZone IZone IIZone III
    A month
    Highly skilled: Designer, Marker and Cutter, Tailor, Cutter employed on designing & cutting and other Highly Skilled Work₹14,122.38₹13,969.50₹13,816.62
    Skilled: Tailor Grade-1, Head Cook, Driver, Cutting Machine Operator, Inspector, Tailor Maistry, Layer who does cutting & marking and other Skilled Work₹13,788.85₹13,637.34₹13,485.82
    Semi-skilled: Tailor Grade-II, Button Hole Machine Operator, Over locker machine, Ironer, Measurement Checker, Button and Buttonhole stitch, and other Semi- Skilled Work₹13,521.72₹13,372.94₹13,223.94
    Unskilled: Packer, Despatcher, Layer who spreads only, Trimmer, Helper, Server, Mali, Canteen Worker, Cooli, Tailor Grade-III, Watch and Ward, Any other unskilled worker₹13,253.91₹13,105.12₹12,956.34
    Senior Accountant and Similar Post₹14,780.01₹14,413.10₹14,076.76
    Cashier, Stenographer, Store keeper and Similar Post₹14,531.51₹14,198.17₹13,864.84
    Junior Clerk, Typist, Data Entry Operator and Similar Post₹14,191.49₹13,864.17₹13,536.84
    Watchman, Office boy, attender, Helper and Similar Post₹13,001.21₹12,733.40₹12,495.35
    Lorry Driver, Car, Jeep Driver₹14,228.48₹13,895.14₹13,592.11
    Lorry / Jeep / Car Cleaner₹13,001.20₹12,733.40₹12,490.10
    A day
    Highly skilled: Designer, Marker and Cutter, Tailor, Cutter employed on designing & cutting and other Highly Skilled Worka day₹543.17₹537.29₹531.41
    Skilled: Tailor Grade-1, Head Cook, Driver, Cutting Machine Operator, Inspector, Tailor Maistry, Layer who does cutting & marking and other Skilled Worka day₹530.34₹524.51₹518.69
    Semi-skilled: Tailor Grade-II, Button Hole Machine Operator, Over locker machine, Ironer, Measurement Checker, Button and Buttonhole stitch, and other Semi- Skilled Worka day₹520.06₹514.34₹508.61
    Unskilled: Packer, Despatcher, Layer who spreads only, Trimmer, Helper, Server, Mali, Canteen Worker, Cooli, Tailor Grade-III, Watch and Ward, Any other unskilled workera day₹509.76₹504.04₹498.32
    Senior Accountant and Similar Posta day₹568.46₹554.35₹541.41
    Cashier, Stenographer, Store keeper and Similar Posta day₹558.90₹546.08₹533.26
    Junior Clerk, Typist, Data Entry Operator and Similar Posta day₹545.82₹533.24₹520.65
    Watchman, Office boy, attender, Helper and Similar Posta day₹500.04₹489.74₹480.59
    Lorry Driver, Car, Jeep Drivera day₹547.25₹534.43₹522.77
    Lorry / Jeep / Car Cleanera day₹500.04₹489.74₹480.39
    Zone I
    Bengaluru (BBMP area)
    Zone II
    Every district headquarters
    Zone III
    All other areas

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹108.69 a day (₹2,826 a month): 2,355 points above 7,973, as the Labour Department works it out. This notification's zones are its own: Zone II is every district headquarters.

    Notification KAE 1 LWA 20223 of 17 January 2023. PDF, 294 KB

  • Silk textilesFrom ₹577.49 a day
    Silk textiles: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Silk charaka and filature
    Highly skilled: Pressers, Gassers, Gas Plant Attender, and other Highly Skilled Work₹607.13₹15,785.29
    Skilled: Charaka Reelers, Fireman (chargeman), Reelers, Twisters, Gill Roving Tenters, Ring Frame Boys, Banders, Gas Pinners, Soiling Spinning Boys, Coomb Spinners and Other Skilled Work₹600.20₹15,605.25
    Semi-skilled: Charaka Turners, Spinners, Silk waste Cleaners, Silk Packers, Twisters, Hank Makers, Dryers, vest Pickers, Oil Fillers, Weigher, Draft Pickers, Bundlers and Packers and Semi-Skilled Work₹577.49₹15,014.62
    Twisting, pure and art silk
    Skilled: Warpers, Twisting Assistant and other Skilled Work₹601.74₹15,645.11
    Semi-skilled: Winders, Twisters, Doublers, Reelers and other Semi-Skilled Work₹577.49₹15,014.62
    Weaving, calendering and processing
    Highly skilled: Head designers, Weavers dobby with drop box, Weavers (Jacquard), Other Fancy Weavers, and other Highly Skilled Work₹684.18₹17,788.59
    Skilled: High Speed Warpers, Designers, Knotters or piecers, Lace wrappers, Weavers plain carpet weavers, Finisher, Printing machine man, Front calendar man, editing man, Developing man, Contrast pallu preparators & dyers and other Skilled Work₹601.74₹15,645.11
    Semi-skilled: Pern Winder, Warp Assistant, Card Punchers, Card Lacers, Back Sizers, Cloth Examiners, Hand and machine folder, Back Calender man, Hand sewer, stitcher, marker, bundler, fringer, Hand ironing man, Assistant machine man, Scaping machine man, Winchman, Kirman, Stenter machine man, washing man, bleaching man, hydro extractor machine man, and Semi Skilled Work₹577.49₹15,014.62
    Maintenance: power plant and workshop
    Highly skilled: Maistry, Jobber, and other Highly Skilled Work₹611.77₹15,905.95
    Skilled: Wireman, Fitter, Blacksmith, Turners, Shapers, Plumbers, Boiler attender, Carpenter, Mechanic, Welders, Engine driver, Electrician, Mechanical foreman, Mason and other Skilled Work₹607.87₹15,804.55
    Semi-skilled: Pump man, Fire man, Oil man, Cobbler and other Semi- Skilled Work₹592.54₹15,406.04
    General administration
    Skilled: Maistry, Jobber, Time Keeper, Cashier, Accountant and other Skilled Work₹673.79₹17,518.54
    Semi-skilled: Waterman, Store Keeper, Clerk, Typist and other Semi-Skilled Work₹600.07₹15,601.75
    Unskilled: Mazdoor, Peon, Watchman, Mali, Sweeper, Helper and other Un-Skilled Work₹577.49₹15,014.62

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹174.97 a day (₹4,549.20 a month): 3,791 points above 6,537, as the Labour Department works it out.

    Notification KAE 2 LWA 2023 of 17 January 2023. PDF, 422 KB

  • Cloth dyeing and printingFrom ₹522.01 a day
    Cloth dyeing and printing: minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, a day
    WorkA dayA month
    Highly skilled: Designer/ Printers, Chemicals Mixers, Heating the yarns in chemicals₹597.96₹15,546.86
    Skilled: Electrician, Winder / Fitter / Fireman, Spinning / Spinning Maintenance, Chording / Zone Clearing, Tanning of yarns, Cloth Dyers, Rotor Operator / Roll coverers, Threshers₹579₹15,053.87
    Semi-skilled: Printing Helper / Operator Attender, Separators of the yarns / Tape man₹543.14₹14,121.52
    Unskilled: Spinning Helpers /Packers, Mixers /Frame Coolies / Dryers, Assistant Cleaners₹529.47₹13,766.13
    Drivers: Lorry Driver, Car / Jeep Driver, Light vehicle Drivers₹572.67₹14,889.36
    Cleaners: Lorry / Jeep / Car Cleaner₹522.01₹13,572.24

    Figures are the basic wage plus the VDA for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, ₹174.97 a day (₹4,549.20 a month): 3,791 points above 6,537, as the Labour Department works it out.

    Notification KAE 2 LWA 2023 of 17 January 2023. PDF, 134 KB

  • Loading and unloading (piece rates)From ₹2 per piece, as listed
    Loading and unloading (piece rates): minimum wages in Karnataka, in rupees, per piece, as listed
    WorkPer piece, as listed
    Gunny bags
    Stitching in the filled sacks (per sack)₹3.50
    Binding the bundled sacks (100 sacks/ Bundle)₹10
    Filling and stitching the sack (per sack)₹6
    Iron, food products, spices, vegetables and fruits
    Loading a sack of 55 Kg₹7
    Loading a sack of 25 Kg₹4
    Unloading a sack of 55 Kg₹6
    Unloading a sack of 25 Kg₹3.50
    Filling the sack with Ingredients₹5
    Stitching the filled sack₹3.50
    Weighing the filled sack₹3.50
    Loading the Vegetable Fruit Trays (15-30 Kgs)₹4.50
    Unloading the Vegetable Fruit Trays (15-30 Kgs)₹4
    Loading of Vegetables and Fruits after Grading / Packing₹10
    Loading of 1 Tonne Iron₹300
    Unloading of 1 Tonne Iron₹250
    Tying the Tarpaul to the loaded vehicle of 1 tonne₹50
    Liquids, by container
    For loading and unloading, 10 litres₹10
    For loading and unloading, 30 to 50 litres₹21
    For loading and unloading, 70 to 200 litres₹43
    For loading and unloading (for distance more than 100 yards), 10 litres₹14
    For loading and unloading (for distance more than 100 yards), 30 to 50 litres₹29
    For loading and unloading (for distance more than 100 yards), 70 to 200 litres₹65
    Arranging, 10 litres₹2
    Arranging, 30 to 50 litres₹5
    Arranging, 70 to 200 litres₹8
    Weighing, 10 litres₹3
    Weighing, 30 to 50 litres₹7
    Weighing, 70 to 200 litres₹8
    To transfer the lot, 10 litres₹10
    To transfer the lot, 30 to 50 litres₹21
    To transfer the lot, 70 to 200 litres₹43
    To distribute from Godown / Vehicles, 10 litres₹10
    To distribute from Godown / Vehicles, 30 to 50 litres₹22
    To distribute from Godown / Vehicles, 70 to 200 litres₹178
    To transfer Drums / Crates from one vehicle to another, 10 litres₹10
    To transfer Drums / Crates from one vehicle to another, 30 to 50 litres₹21
    To transfer Drums / Crates from one vehicle to another, 70 to 200 litres₹43
    Gas cylinders and boxes
    To load / Unload gas filled cylinders / filled in goods boxes (from nearby Godowns and vehicles)₹9
    To load / Unload gas filled cylinders / filled in goods boxes (for a distance of more than 100 yards)₹13
    To transfer Cylinders / Boxes from one vehicle to another₹10
    Weighing of Cylinders / Boxes₹3
    Arranging of Cylinders / Boxes₹3
    To Transfer lots₹7
    Weighing and to load / Unload gas filled cylinders / filled in goods boxes₹10
    Weighing and arranging the unloaded cylinders / boxes₹11
    To distribute from Godown/ Vehicles₹7

    Rates per sack, tray, tonne, container or cylinder, as the notification sets them, plus a VDA of ₹141.23 a day for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027: 3,060 points above 7,268. The sheet's ₹178 for distributing a 70 to 200 litre container is shown as printed, though it is far above the column's other rates.

    Notification KAE 88 LWA 2016 (Part -1) of 29 May 2021. PDF, 201 KB

  • Khadi and village industries, Shamiana, pandal and canopy work, flower decoration and furniture arrangement, Micro, small and medium enterprisesRates not online

    The 22 May 2026 notification lists these among the 19 employments a committee will fix rates for, and the Labour Department's rate list for 2026-27 has no entry for them, so there are no rates to show.

The court challenge

Employers, among them the Karnataka Employers' Association, have challenged the 22 May 2026 notification in the Karnataka High Court. They argue it was issued under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 after the Code on Wages, 2019 had repealed that Act on 21 November 2025.

The court has not stayed it. On 21 September 2026 Justice H.T. Narendra Prasad refused the employers interim relief, and their petitions are tagged with Writ Appeals 1684 and 1685 of 2026, in which a Division Bench has reserved judgment. There is no final ruling yet.

State circulars of 29 July, 10 August and 9 October 2026 put off the new rates for government departments, local bodies and urban development authorities. The High Court stayed the first two on 18 September 2026, on a petition by the AITUC, AICCTU and CITU unions, and the October circular in mid-October 2026.

So the notification is in force, as found on 3 November 2026. An employer still paying the earlier rates risks arrears from 22 May 2026, and a principal employer is liable for wages its contractor does not pay. This page will change if the court rules otherwise.

Some sites give ₹989 a day as the Zone 1 unskilled rate. That is the semi-skilled basic; the unskilled basic in Zone 1 is ₹899.09 a day, before VDA.

Court reports: LiveLaw, 21 September 2026; Bar & Bench, 19 September 2026.

Rates before 22 May 2026: shops and commercial establishments
Rates before 22 May 2026: shops and commercial establishments, 1 April 2026 to 21 May 2026
Skilla month, then a dayZone IZone IIZone IIIZone IV
Highly skilled₹19,972.60₹768.18₹19,238.15₹739.93₹18,538.68₹713.03₹17,872.51₹687.41
Skilled₹18,570.47₹714.25₹17,902.79₹688.57₹17,266.91₹664.11₹16,661.30₹640.82
Semi-skilled₹17,295.81₹665.22₹16,688.83₹641.88₹16,110.75₹619.65₹15,560.20₹598.47
Unskilled₹16,137.03₹620.66₹15,585.23₹599.43₹15,059.70₹579.22₹14,559.20₹559.97

Shops and commercial establishments under their own 2017 notification, before the single notification: four zones, basic plus a VDA of ₹4,549.20 a month (3,791 index points above 6,537). Before 22 May 2026 each employment had its own notification and rates.

1 April 2026 to 21 May 2026. Notification No. KAE 20 LMW 2017, 30 December 2017.

What employers owe in Karnataka

  1. 7thof the next monthWages, in full
  2. 15thof the next monthEPF (with the ECR) and ESIC
  3. 20thof the next monthProfessional Tax, with the Form 5-A statement
  4. Yearly1 to 15 JanuaryLabour Welfare Fund, for the year before
  5. Upfrontbefore work startsContract labour licence, for contractors with 50+ workers. Karnataka's rules are still in draft; ask the Labour Department how to apply.
Who pays what for EPF, ESIC and the Labour Welfare Fund in Karnataka
Who pays whatWorkerEmployer
EPF20+ employees; wages up to ₹25,000 a month12%12% + 0.5% EDLI + 0.5% admin
ESIC10+ employees; wages up to ₹21,000 a month0.75%3.25%
Professional TaxWages of ₹25,000 a month or more₹200 a month, ₹300 in FebruaryDeducts and pays it
Labour Welfare FundFactories with 10+ workers, 20+ contract workers, shops with 50+₹50 a year₹100 a year
Bonus20+ persons; wages up to ₹21,000 a month (the Central figure)Nothing8.33% to 20% of the year's wages, by 30 November
Gratuity10+ employees; on leaving after 5 years (1 year on a fixed term)Nothing15 days' wages for each year, up to ₹20 lakh, within 30 days

Late EPF and ESIC carry 12% a year interest and damages. If your contractor does not pay them, you must, and recover it from them.

Behind on any of this? The Vayasya Network of CAs, labour lawyers and compliance consultants can help. Get compliance help

Questions

Is the new Karnataka minimum wage in force while it is challenged in court?

Yes. Employers have challenged the 22 May 2026 notification in the Karnataka High Court, but it has not been stayed: in September 2026 the court refused employers interim relief and stayed the circulars that had deferred the new rates. This page will change if the court rules otherwise.

Does the 22 May 2026 rate apply to garment factories, farms and plantations?

No. The notification leaves 19 piece-rated, labour-intensive employments to a committee, among them garments and tailoring, agriculture, plantations, beedi, cashew, spinning mills, loading and unloading, and micro, small and medium enterprises. Until the committee reports, their earlier notifications apply: an unskilled garment worker in Zone I gets ₹13,253.91 a month, and farm work pays ₹549.97 a day, each basic plus that notification's VDA. Every one is in the list above.

Sources (37)

Wage rates

  1. Revised minimum rates of wages for scheduled employments (single notification)LD 411 LWA 2023, 22 May 2026. In Kannada. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  2. Single notification: rates by zone and skill, and the VDA payable from 22 May 2026 (department summary)LD 411 LWA 2023 (summary), 22 May 2026. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  3. Shops and commercial establishments: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet, replaced by the single notification from 22 May 2026)KAE 20 LMW 2017, 30 December 2017. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  4. Agriculture: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 228 LWA 2018, 11 December 2019. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  5. Agarbatti and incense: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 107 LWA 2021, 15 September 2023. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  6. Beedi making: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 65 LWA 2023, 27 February 2025. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  7. Brick making and pre-stressed products: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 43 LMW 2017, 30 December 2017. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  8. Cashew processing: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 45 LWA 2018, 19 May 2018. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  9. Plantations: mazdoors, maistries and supervisors: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 102 LWA 2023, 10 February 2025. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  10. Plantations: non-staff: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 103 LWA 2023, 10 February 2025. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  11. Coffee curing: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 246 LWA 2018, 20 November 2019. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  12. Fish catching and processing: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 104 LWA 2021, 28 July 2022. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  13. Forestry and timbering: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 57 LWA 2019, 20 November 2019. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  14. Handloom and powerloom (cotton): minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 22 LWA 2019, 20 February 2019. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  15. Spinning mills: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 2 LWA 2023, 17 January 2023. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  16. Garments, costumes and tailoring: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 1 LWA 20223, 17 January 2023. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  17. Silk textiles: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 2 LWA 2023, 17 January 2023. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  18. Cloth dyeing and printing: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 2 LWA 2023, 17 January 2023. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.
  19. Loading and unloading: minimum wages and VDA, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (Labour Commissioner's rate sheet)KAE 88 LWA 2016 (Part -1), 29 May 2021. Original on karmikaspandana.karnataka.gov.in.

EPF, ESIC, welfare fund and licence

  1. The Code on Wages, 2019 (section 17: time limit for payment of wages)Act No. 29 of 2019, 8 August 2019.
  2. The Code on Wages, 2019 (Chapter IV, sections 26 to 43: bonus; section 54: penalties)Act No. 29 of 2019, 8 August 2019.
  3. Bonus eligibility: wages up to ₹21,000 a month (Central sphere), in force from 21 November 2025S.O. 4711(E), 25 August 2026.
  4. Bonus calculation: on ₹7,000 a month or the minimum wage, whichever is higher (Central sphere), in force from 21 November 2025S.O. 4710(E), 25 August 2026.
  5. The Code on Social Security, 2020 (Chapter V, sections 53 to 58: gratuity; section 54: continuous service; sections 133 and 134: penalties)Act No. 36 of 2020, 29 September 2020.
  6. Gratuity of up to ₹20 lakh (notified under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972; kept by section 164(2)(a) of the Code)S.O. 1420(E), 29 March 2018.
  7. The Code on Social Security, 2020 (First Schedule: EPF and ESIC coverage)Act No. 36 of 2020, 29 September 2020.
  8. EPF wage ceiling of ₹25,000 a month from 17 September 2026 (Gazette notification, as hosted by EPFO)S.O. 5109(E), 17 September 2026.
  9. EPFO: frequently asked questions on the wage ceiling (contribution rates, EDLI and admin charges)EPFO FAQs, 28 September 2026.
  10. Code on Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 (rule 19: ESIC contribution rates)G.S.R. 344(E), 8 May 2026.
  11. ESIC: rates of contribution and due dateesic.gov.in, 16 October 2026.
  12. Interest at 12% a year on amounts due under the Code on Social SecurityS.O. 2698(E), 29 May 2026.
  13. Karnataka Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings and Employments Act, 1976, with its amending Acts to 2026 (sections 2 to 12 and the Schedule; PRS copy)Karnataka Act 35 of 1976, 1 April 1976.
  14. Karnataka Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings and Employments (Amendment) Act, 2025: ₹200 a month on ₹25,000 or more, ₹300 in February, from 1 April 2025Karnataka Act No. 33 of 2025, 15 April 2025.
  15. Karnataka Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings and Employments Rules, 1976 (rules 3, 11, 11-A, 18: registration, returns, Form 5-A, registers)Rules as on 31 March 2019 (Commercial Taxes Department copy), 31 March 2019.
  16. Karnataka Labour Welfare Fund (Amendment) Act, 2024: ₹50 worker, ₹100 employer, ₹50 government a yearKarnataka Act No. 5 of 2025, 10 January 2025.
  17. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Karnataka) Rules, 2026: draftLD 245 LET 2021, 23 January 2026.
  18. Labour codes compliance handbook (OSH Code, sections 45 to 48: contract labour licence)Ministry of Labour handbook, 1 February 2026.

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