The Government of Uttar Pradesh has issued a notification revising the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) payable to workers under the state’s minimum wage framework. The revised rates are effective from October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, and apply to scheduled employments covered by the relevant minimum wage notification.
The official office memorandum, dated October 21, 2026, outlines the revised VDA and corresponding monthly and daily wage rates for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers across different categories of locations in Uttar Pradesh.
Understanding the Uttar Pradesh Minimum Wage Revision
The revision follows changes in the All-India Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers. The government has calculated the revised VDA using the average Consumer Price Index of 431 for January to June 2026, against the base average of 400.
The adjustment is intended to account for changes in the cost of living and is payable alongside the applicable basic minimum wage. Employers should review the revised rates to ensure that wage payments reflect the applicable statutory requirements.
Revised Minimum Wage Rates in Uttar Pradesh
Under the notification, the revised monthly wage rates, including VDA, are as follows:
| Location category | Skill level | Monthly wage |
|---|---|---|
| Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad | Unskilled | ₹13,883.59 |
| Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad | Semi-skilled | ₹15,271.41 |
| Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad | Skilled | ₹17,106.39 |
| Municipal corporation areas | Unskilled | ₹13,189.68 |
| Municipal corporation areas | Semi-skilled | ₹14,507.46 |
| Municipal corporation areas | Skilled | ₹16,250.86 |
| Other covered urban areas | Unskilled | ₹12,530.25 |
| Other covered urban areas | Semi-skilled | ₹13,782.30 |
| Other covered urban areas | Skilled | ₹15,438.42 |
These figures reflect the monthly wage amounts specified in the notification for the respective categories. Employers should consult the complete official document to confirm the applicable location classification and other relevant conditions.
What Employers Need to Do
Businesses operating in Uttar Pradesh should review their payroll structures and identify employees covered by the notification. HR and payroll teams should verify worker classifications, applicable basic wages, VDA calculations, and daily wage rates.
The notification also addresses important wage-related provisions, including the calculation of daily wages, proportional wages for part-time workers, piece-rate work, and the treatment of contract labour. Employers should review these provisions when assessing their compliance obligations.
Where existing wage rates are more favourable to employees than the revised minimum rates, the notification provides that those higher rates should continue to be paid. Accordingly, organisations should avoid reducing existing wages solely because the revised minimum wage rates are lower.
Maintaining accurate payroll records and applying the correct rates from the effective date can help businesses manage statutory compliance and reduce the risk of wage-related disputes.
Download the Official Uttar Pradesh Government Notification
For complete details of the revised Variable Dearness Allowance, wage calculations, location categories, and applicable conditions, refer to the official government notification.
Download the PDF to review the complete notification and verify the revised minimum wage rates applicable to your establishment.
[Download the Official Uttar Pradesh Minimum Wages Notification (PDF)]
Source: Government of Uttar Pradesh, Labour Department office memorandum dated October 21, 2026.
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