In her first press conference after becoming Delhi's chief minister, Atishi declared revised minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers, stating they were the highest in the country. She also accused the BJP of being "anti-poor" and hindering the implementation of minimum wages in other states. The new rates, applicable from 1 October, were achieved through the Kejriwal government's efforts despite opposition from the BJP, according to Atishi.
Delhi Government Raises Minimum Wages to Highest in India
On July 11, 2023, Atishi Marlena, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Delhi from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), announced a revised minimum wage structure for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers in the state. The new rates, effective from October 1, 2023, are the highest in the country.
Background
The minimum wage in India is determined by the central government and varies across states. The previous minimum wage in Delhi, set in 2017, was Rs. 14,842 per month for unskilled workers, Rs. 16,500 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs. 18,000 for skilled workers.
Revised Wage Structure
The AAP government has significantly increased the minimum wages in Delhi, with the new rates being:
Reactions
The decision has been welcomed by labor unions and workers' organizations, who have long been demanding a higher minimum wage. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the main opposition party in Delhi, has criticized the move, alleging that it will hurt businesses and lead to job losses.
Political Debate
During her press conference, Atishi accused the BJP of being "anti-poor" and hindering the implementation of minimum wages in other states. She claimed that the AAP government's efforts to raise the minimum wage had been met with resistance from the BJP-led central government.
FAQs
1. Why did the Delhi government raise the minimum wage? To ensure that workers in Delhi earn a living wage and to improve their living standards.
2. How does the revised wage structure compare to other states? The new minimum wages in Delhi are the highest in India.
3. What is the impact of the increased minimum wage on businesses? The impact on businesses is expected to be minimal, as the new wages are still within the affordability range of most employers in Delhi.
4. Has the BJP opposed the revised wages? Yes, the BJP has criticized the decision, alleging that it will hurt businesses and lead to job losses.
5. What are the AAP government's plans to ensure implementation of the revised wages? The government plans to conduct regular inspections to ensure that employers are complying with the new wage structure.
Abhishek Banerjee, a TMC leader and MP, has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for their silence on the alleged attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh. Speaking at a health fair in his constituency, he called out the BJP government for not taking adequate action against the atrocities faced by Hindus and other communities in the neighboring country. Banerjee also accused the BSF of aiding the infiltration of extremists from Bangladesh and called on the Central government to take decisive action. The rejection of a bail plea for an ISKCON monk in a Bangladesh court further highlights the issue of biased judiciary in the country.
As Delhi University prepares to name one of its upcoming colleges after Veer Savarkar, the Congress party's student wing has raised objections and demanded that it be named after former PM Manmohan Singh instead. The decision has sparked a political row, with the Congress citing Savarkar's controversial past and allegations of collaboration. Meanwhile, the BJP has defended the decision, stating that Savarkar was a freedom fighter and welcoming the move to honor him. The upcoming college will be constructed in Najafgarh and is part of a larger effort to establish three new colleges in Delhi.
Former President Jimmy Carter was known for his serious approach to policy as well as his artistic outlets such as poetry, carpentry, and writing. Kit and Evan Dobelle, who worked with Carter, remember him as a great listener who spoke softly but with strong conviction. They reflect on his qualities as a statesman and artist in their conversations with him.
In a media interaction, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his disapproval of the hybrid model of governance in the Union Territory, stating that dual centres of power are not effective tools for governance. He also addressed other issues, such as differences of opinion and reservation protests, reiterating the need for a single centre of command for better functioning of the system. The chief minister also discussed the recent controversy over land acquisition for a campus of the National Institute of Technology, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between development and protecting productive agriculture land.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is hopeful for the restoration of statehood and promises to fulfil all the promises made to the people during his five-year term. He also assures improved infrastructure and electricity situation in the Union Territory. Regarding the recent allegations of recruitment scam, he calls for a fair investigation and assures that deserving candidates will receive justice.
As the 18th Lok Sabha elections approach, the Diamond Harbour constituency prepares to cast its votes on Jun 01. Twelve candidates are in the fray, including Abhishek Banerjee, a prominent leader of the ruling party, and Pratik Ur Rahaman, a young candidate with a clean image. The BJP, with its incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has emerged as a strong contender, while the Congress struggles to regain lost ground. However, with the opposition parties banding together, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious in this fierce political battle. Keep following #Decision2024 for all the latest updates and analysis on the upcoming elections.
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate has alleged that the social media platform 'X' received a request from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Information and Broadcasting Ministry to remove a video of Amit Shah. The Congress has received an email from 'X' informing them about this under transparency. In response, Shrinate questioned what law Amit Shah's video was violating and demanded his resignation for his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. She also criticized BJP for replacing a photo of Ambedkar with George Soros during a protest. Congress' Rahul Gandhi also led a protest against Amit Shah's comments with INDIA Bloc MPs.
The suspect responsible for the deadly vehicle attack in New Orleans that left 15 people dead has been identified as a 42-year-old US citizen from Texas named Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The FBI has found an Islamic State group flag in the vehicle and is investigating the attack as an act of terrorism. However, investigators believe the suspect may not have acted alone and are also looking into possible connections with the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Additionally, car-sharing app Turo, through which the trucks were rented, is cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, a revered leader and former Prime Minister of India, passed away at the age of 92. Known for his integrity and visionary leadership, he pioneered economic liberalization in 1991, leading India to global prominence. His tenure was marked by a commitment to inclusivity, secularism, and financial reforms. As we mourn his loss, let us pay tribute to his enduring legacy through his insightful and inspiring quotes on unity, diversity, and a mixed economy.
According to sources close to the Trump transition, the president-elect is becoming increasingly frustrated with the attention and influence that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk commands. This has sparked rumors and speculation that there may be tensions between the two men. However, Trump's former deputy press secretary and national press secretary of his 2020 campaign, Hogan Gidley, dismisses these claims, stating that Musk is a close friend and ally of the president and has been tasked with an important role in the new non-official Department of Government Efficiency. Despite the media's attempt to create rifts, Gidley maintains that the two men are working closely together to achieve their shared goals.