The Government of Maharashtra, Industry, Energy, Labour and Mining Department has published draft rules titled the Maharashtra Wage Code Rules, 2026 in the state gazette dated 28 April 2026. Issued under Section 67(1) and (2) of the Code on Wages, 2019 (No. 29 of 2019), these draft rules repeal the earlier Maharashtra Minimum Wages Rules, 1963 and Maharashtra Payment of Wages Rules, 1963. The notification invites objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 45 days of publication.

Key Highlights of the Notification

  • Applicability:
    • Rules apply across the entire state of Maharashtra.
  • Definitions:
    • Detailed definitions provided for terms such as “Authority,” “Appellate Authority,” “Board,” “Committee,” “Inspector-cum-Facilitator,” and classifications of unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly-skilled occupations.
  • Minimum Wage Calculation (Rule 3):
    • Based on consumption needs of a standard working-class family (three adult consumption units).
    • Includes calorie intake, clothing, housing, fuel, electricity, education, medical, recreation, and contingencies.
    • Daily wage rates to be converted into hourly and monthly rates using prescribed formulae.
  • Standards for Fixing Minimum Wages (Rule 4):
    • Consideration of geographical area, experience, and skill levels.
    • Establishment of a technical committee to advise on classification of occupations.
  • Variable Dearness Allowance (Rule 5):
    • To be revised twice annually (before 1 April and 1 October) based on Consumer Price Index data published by the Labour Bureau.
  • Working Hours (Rule 6):
    • Number of hours in a normal working day to be fixed by general or special orders, including rest intervals.
  • Weekly Rest Day (Rule 7):
    • Employees entitled to one rest day per week, generally Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday in shorter workweeks.
    • Employers may designate other rest days, but remaining days must be treated as paid rest days.
  • Objections and Suggestions:
    • Stakeholders may submit objections or suggestions to the Labour Commissioner, Maharashtra State, within 45 days of publication.
    • Submissions can be made via post or email to mh.labourcodes.rules@gmail.com.

Impact on Employers and Employees

  • For Employers: The draft rules require recalibration of wage structures in line with consumption-based calculations and CPI-linked dearness allowance revisions. Employers must prepare for stricter compliance monitoring through inspector-cum-facilitators.
  • For Employees: Workers benefit from standardized wage calculations ensuring fair compensation based on living costs, with guaranteed weekly rest days and CPI-linked wage adjustments.
  • For HR/Compliance Teams: Immediate review of draft rules is necessary to prepare objections or suggestions within the 45-day window and to align payroll systems with the proposed framework.

For detailed reading of this notification and to access all other important updates, please visit the Notifications tab on our website.

Disclaimer: This news post is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers are advised to consult the official gazette notification issued by the Government of Maharashtra or seek professional legal counsel before taking any compliance-related action.