On Friday, the Punjab Assembly in India unanimously approved a 15% increase in minimum wages, benefiting all registered workers in both government and private sectors. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the hike as a tribute to the working class, highlighting that the base wage had not been revised since 2012. The new minimum wage rates will come into effect on May 1, 2026, and are part of a revision process following the Code on Wages, 2019, and recommendations from the Minimum Wages Advisory Board. The monthly minimum wage for unskilled workers will rise to ₹13,486 (approximately $163 USD), while skilled workers will earn ₹15,414 (approximately $187 USD). The government also emphasized equal pay for men, women, transgender persons, and differently-abled workers, reinforcing non-discrimination principles. This revision aims to protect workers' rights and improve their livelihoods amidst rising living costs, ensuring uniform wage structures across various sectors in Punjab.