Minimum Wages for Shops and Establishment in West Bengal
The Labour Commissionerate, Government of West Bengal, adjusts statutory minimum wage rates bi-annually under the West Bengal Shops and Establishments Act, 1963 and the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
Below is the official minimum wage schedule effective 1st July, 2026 (updated as on 27th June, 2026), incorporating revised daily and monthly wage rates across Zone A and Zone B.
Use the Period Selector on the top right to switch between the latest 1st July, 2026 notification and historical wage revisions.
📊 Minimum Wages Table (1st Jul, 2026)
| Category | Zone | Daily Wages (₹) | Monthly Wages (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unskilled | Zone A | 406.08 | 10558 |
| Unskilled | Zone B | 375.38 | 9760 |
| Semi-Skilled | Zone A | 446.73 | 11615 |
| Semi-Skilled | Zone B | 412.81 | 10733 |
| Skilled | Zone A | 491.42 | 12777 |
| Skilled | Zone B | 454.12 | 11807 |
| Highly Skilled | Zone A | 540.54 | 14054 |
| Highly Skilled | Zone B | 499.62 | 12990 |
| Unskilled - Security Service | Zone A | 406.38 | 10566 |
| Unskilled - Security Service | Zone B | 375.31 | 9758 |
| Semi-Skilled - Security Service | Zone A | 446.58 | 11611 |
| Semi-Skilled - Security Service | Zone B | 412.77 | 10732 |
| Skilled - Security Service | Zone A | 491.27 | 12773 |
| Skilled - Security Service | Zone B | 454.08 | 11806 |
📊 High-Level Wage Summary (Effective 1st Jul, 2026)
The table below summarizes total statutory minimum wages per day and per month (based on 26 statutory payable days) across all skill levels and security personnel:
1. Commercial Establishment Staff
| Category | Zone A (Daily / Monthly) | Zone B (Daily / Monthly) | Indicative Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unskilled | ₹406.08 / ₹10,558.00 | ₹375.38 / ₹9,760.00 | Peon, Cleaner, Sweeper, Bearer, Attendant, Loader |
| Semi-Skilled | ₹446.73 / ₹11,615.00 | ₹412.81 / ₹10,733.00 | Assistant Salesman, Junior Clerk, Packer, Cook |
| Skilled | ₹491.42 / ₹12,777.00 | ₹454.12 / ₹11,807.00 | Clerk, Typist, Salesman, Cashier, Electrician |
| Highly Skilled | ₹540.54 / ₹14,054.00 | ₹499.62 / ₹12,990.00 | Accountant, Head Cashier, Supervisor, Manager |
2. Security Personnel in Commercial Establishments
| Security Category | Zone A (Daily / Monthly) | Zone B (Daily / Monthly) | Indicative Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unskilled - Security Service | ₹406.38 / ₹10,566.00 | ₹375.31 / ₹9,758.00 | Security Guard (Unarmed), Watchman, Darwan |
| Semi-Skilled - Security Service | ₹446.58 / ₹11,611.00 | ₹412.77 / ₹10,732.00 | Head Security Guard, Security Supervisor |
| Skilled - Security Service | ₹491.27 / ₹12,773.00 | ₹454.08 / ₹11,806.00 | Armed Security Guard, Gunman |
📍 Zone Demarcation in West Bengal
The state of West Bengal divides administrative jurisdictions into two distinct economic wage zones:
- Zone A:
- Areas under Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) limits.
- Municipal Corporations of Howrah, Asansol, Durgapur, Siliguri, and Chandernagore.
- All Municipalities in the districts of North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, and Hooghly.
- Notified industrial areas and development authority areas (e.g., Bidhannagar, New Town Kolkata, Haldia, Digha-Shankarpur).
- Zone B: All other rural regions, gram panchayats, and municipalities not covered under Zone A across West Bengal.
💡 Key Statutory Compliance & Calculation Rules
- Monthly and Daily Wage Derivation Formula:
Monthly wages for regular full-time staff are derived on the statutory 26-day basis:
Total Monthly Wage = Total Daily Wage × 26 - Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) Adjustments: The Government of West Bengal adjusts the minimum wage schedules bi-annually (effective 1st January and 1st July) reflecting fluctuations in the Consumer Price Index for industrial workers.
- Overtime Compensation: Any employee engaged beyond 8.5 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week is entitled to overtime pay at twice the ordinary hourly wage rate (200%).
- Mandatory Statutory Benefits Base: Statutory minimum wages serve as the baseline gross wages for provident fund (EPF) and state insurance (ESIC) calculations.
- Equal Remuneration: Male and female employees performing identical or similar tasks must receive equal remuneration without disparity.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum wage for an office boy or cleaner in Kolkata (Zone A)?
An office boy, cleaner, or sweeper falls under the Unskilled bracket. In Zone A (Kolkata / Howrah), the revised minimum wage effective 1st July 2026 is ₹406.08 per day or ₹10,558.00 per month.
What is the minimum wage for a retail salesperson, clerk, or cashier in Zone A?
Salespersons, typists, and clerks fall under the Skilled category:
- Daily Rate: ₹491.42 per day
- Monthly Rate (26 days): ₹12,777.00 per month
What are the rates for security guards in commercial establishments in West Bengal?
- Unskilled Security Guard (Zone A): ₹406.38 / day (₹10,566.00 / month)
- Armed Security Guard / Gunman (Zone A): ₹491.27 / day (₹12,773.00 / month)
How often are minimum wages revised in West Bengal?
The Labour Department, Government of West Bengal, revises minimum wages twice a year (effective 1st January and 1st July).