Hyderabad: Former Governor and former Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya criticised the Telangana government’s minimum wage revision, calling it inadequate for the state’s workforce.
In a statement issued in Hyderabad, Dattatreya said workers had waited nearly 14 years for a meaningful wage revision.
However, he said the government announced only a cosmetic increase despite rising living costs.
According to Dattatreya, expenses related to education, healthcare, rent and transport increased sharply in recent years.
Therefore, he demanded a major revision in Telangana workers wages across different employment categories.
Telangana workers wages should ensure dignity
Dattatreya demanded revised minimum wages of Rs.22,000 for unskilled workers.
He also sought wages of Rs.27,000 for semi-skilled workers.
According to his proposal, skilled workers should receive Rs.31,000, while highly skilled workers should get Rs.36,000.
The former Union minister said nearly 1.2 crore workers in Telangana deserved wages that ensured dignity and financial security.
Furthermore, he stressed that wage structures must reflect the increasing cost of living faced by workers and their families.
Dattatreya said economic growth had little meaning unless workers benefited alongside the state’s development.
He argued that labourers formed the backbone of economic activity and contributed significantly to Telangana’s progress.
Moreover, he urged the government to adopt worker-friendly policies while revising minimum wages.
The BJP leader also said fair wages were necessary to improve living standards and social security for workers across Telangana.