Minimum Wage Raised from April 1, But Workers Ask: When Will Full Pay Reach Us?

1. Government Order Implemented or Exploitation Continued? Mahoba Workers Raise Wage Payment Concerns
2. Revised Minimum Wages on Paper, Reduced Payments on Ground: Labourers Allege Irregularities in Mahoba

Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh | 22nd April 2026

The Uttar Pradesh government revised the minimum wage rates for daily wage labourers with effect from
April 1, 2026, presenting the move as a relief measure for workers across the state.
However, allegations emerging from Mahoba’s Irrigation Department have raised serious questions over whether the benefits are actually reaching labourers on the ground.

According to information gathered from sources and workers associated with the department, several daily wage employees claim they are still not receiving payments in line with the revised wage order. While the government’s notification promises higher wages, workers allege that the actual amount disbursed to them remains lower than what is officially mandated.

Some labourers, speaking on condition of anonymity, further alleged discrepancies in wage records. They claimed that higher payments are reportedly entered in official registers, while the amount handed over to workers is significantly less.

“Perhaps the government has increased wages, but we are still getting only partial payment,” said one worker, reflecting the frustration among labourers.

The allegations have sparked concerns about transparency and accountability in wage disbursement within the department. If verified, such practices would undermine the very purpose of the revised minimum wage policy, which was intended to provide economic relief to vulnerable workers facing rising living costs.

As of now, no official response has been issued by the concerned department regarding the claims. Workers and observers are now demanding a fair inquiry and strict enforcement of the government’s wage order to ensure labourers receive their rightful earnings in full.