Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Increases Daily Wages for All Workers

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a significant increase in daily wages for all categories of workers on May 1, 2026. 

Speaking at the state-level celebration of International Labour Day, the Chief Minister revealed an upward revision in the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), aimed at mitigating the impact of rising inflation on the working class.

Odisha Revised Wage Structure and Retrospective Effect

The new wage structure is effective retrospectively from April 1, 2026. 

By increasing the VDA by ₹10 per day, the government has standardized the daily earnings across four primary skill categories. The revised rates are as follows:

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This announcement comes amid political pressure from opposition parties, including the BJD and Congress, who had been advocating for a minimum wage of ₹800 per day to combat the high cost of living in urban centers.

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Focus on Social Security and “Reverse Migration”

Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that fair wages are only one part of the government’s commitment. 

He highlighted the registration of over 5 lakh new construction workers under the Welfare Board in the 2025-26 fiscal year, with over ₹541 crore disbursed in assistance for education, marriage, and death benefits.

The CM also pointed to a positive trend of “reverse migration.” 

He noted that approximately 10,000 Odia youths have recently returned from textile hubs like Tiruppur and Coimbatore to join Odisha’s burgeoning garment industry. 

To further provide year-round employment, the government is launching the ‘Dalkhai Yojana’, a scheme designed to curb distress migration.

Infrastructure and Digital Tools

To improve labor administration, the CM laid the foundation stone for 50 new permanent offices for Labour Commissioners, allocated with a budget of ₹130 crore. 

He also lauded the ‘Shramik Saathi’ mobile app for simplifying service delivery, ensuring that workers can access state benefits without bureaucratic delays.

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