Status
Mandatory for All Employers
Effective Period
1 April 2026 - 30 September 2026
Notification
VDA ₹149/day · w.e.f. 1 Apr 2026
Issued by the Commissioner, Labour & Employment, Government of Goa. Applies to every employer registered under Shops & Commercial Establishments in Goa. Non-compliance attracts penalty under the Code on Wages, 2019.
Minimum Wages in Goa
2026 — Zone-Wise Rates
Official minimum wage rates for Goa across two zones. Goa’s wage = Basic + a Special Allowance (VDA) of ₹149/day, revised every April and October. Current cycle effective 1 April 2026.
Quick Answer
Goa’s minimum wages for Shops & Commercial Establishments range from about ₹14,456/month (Unskilled, Zone B) to ₹17,602/month (Skilled / Clerical, Zone A), including the ₹149/day VDA. Effective 1 April 2026.
₹14,456 - ₹17,602
per month · Shops & Commercial Establishments
VDA included
₹149/dayNext revision
1 October 2026Last updated: June 2026. Figures are compiled from the latest available notifications and reputable compliance sources and are provided for guidance only. Minimum wages and VDA change frequently - verify against the official notification (Goa Labour Department) before using for payroll.
Complete Rate Card - Zone A & Zone B
Goa Shops & Commercial Establishments - monthly minimum wage by skill and zone (VDA ₹149/day included), effective 1 April 2026.
| Skill Category | Zone A (urban) | Zone B |
|---|---|---|
| Unskilled | ₹14,586 | ₹14,456 |
| Semi-skilled | ₹16,172 | ₹16,042 |
| Skilled | ₹17,602 | ₹17,472 |
| Clerical | ₹17,602 | ₹17,472 |
Monthly = total daily × 26. The Special Allowance (VDA) of ₹149/day is included and revised every April and October. The Skilled and Clerical tiers share the same rate. Verify on labour.goa.gov.in (note the official page may show an older cached order).
Goa Minimum Wage Zones
Goa uses two zones (the gap between them is small):
Zone A — Urban
Urban municipal belts such as Panaji, Margao and Vasco.
Zone B — Other areas
Peripheral / rural areas of Goa.
What Every Goa Employer Must Do
Pay at least the notified zone-wise rate
Use the rate matching each branch’s location - not the head-office zone. Paying below the notified minimum is illegal even if the employee agrees.
Apply the latest VDA / revised rate
Update payroll the moment a new notification or VDA revision is published. Arrears apply from the effective date, not the date you noticed.
Maintain wage & attendance registers
Keep statutory registers, wage slips and muster rolls. Inspectors can demand records for the past several years.
Layer statutory costs correctly
On top of minimum wage, account for PF (12% of basic), ESI (3.25% if wage ≤ ₹21,000), bonus and gratuity provision.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Under the Code on Wages, 2019 (in force across India from 21 November 2025), paying any worker below the notified minimum wage attracts a fine up to ₹50,000 for a first offence, and imprisonment up to 3 months or a fine up to ₹1,00,000 (or both) for a repeat offence within five years. The employer must also pay the full wage arrears due. Failing to maintain the prescribed wage and attendance registers carries a further fine up to ₹10,000. The Goa Labour Department enforces this through Inspector-cum-Facilitator inspections across Panaji and Margao's hospitality, tourism, retail and manufacturing establishments, so Goa employers should keep payroll and statutory registers audit-ready year-round.
Source: Code on Wages, 2019 (Act 29 of 2019), Sec. 54 · Goa Labour Department
Download the Goa Minimum Wages 2026 Rate Card
Get the full PDF - all zones, every role band, VDA breakdown and an employer compliance checklist. Free, ready for your HR & payroll records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Goa in 2026?
For Shops & Commercial Establishments (effective 1 April 2026), rates range from about Rs.14,456/month (Unskilled, Zone B) to Rs.17,602/month (Skilled/Clerical, Zone A), including the Rs.149/day VDA.
How many zones does Goa use?
Two - Zone A (urban areas like Panaji, Margao, Vasco) and Zone B (other areas). The difference between them is small.
How often are Goa minimum wages revised?
The Special Allowance (VDA) is revised half-yearly, effective 1 April and 1 October, based on the CPI. The next revision is due 1 October 2026.
What is the daily minimum wage in Goa?
For example, Zone A Unskilled is about Rs.561/day and Skilled about Rs.677/day (Basic + Rs.149 VDA).
What is the penalty for paying below minimum wage?
Paying below the notified minimum is illegal even with consent. Under the Code on Wages, 2019 employers face fines up to Rs.50,000 (first offence) and up to Rs.1,00,000 with imprisonment for repeat offences, plus full wage arrears.
Does minimum wage include PF and ESI?
No. Minimum wage is the gross paid to the worker. PF (12% of basic), ESI (3.25% of gross if wage is up to Rs.21,000), bonus and gratuity are additional employer costs.
Explore Minimum Wages Across India
Minimum wages differ by state, zone, skill and industry. Compare Goa with other states, or see the full national overview.
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