Status
Mandatory for All Employers
Effective Period
In force from 17 October 2022
Notification
S.O. 513 · 12 Oct 2022
Issued by the Labour & Employment Department, Government of J&K (UT). Applies to every employer registered under General Scheduled Employment in Jammu & Kashmir. Non-compliance attracts penalty under the Code on Wages, 2019.
Minimum Wages in Jammu & Kashmir
2026 — Skill-Wise Rates
Official minimum wage rates for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir - UT-wide (no zones), published as consolidated rates. The October 2022 notification (S.O. 513) remains the operative schedule; the next revision is expected once the national floor wage is notified.
Quick Answer
J&K’s minimum wages range from ₹8,086/month (Unskilled) to ₹14,352/month (Highly-skilled), with clerical staff at ₹11,674/month. Consolidated UT-wide rates in force since October 2022.
₹8,086 - ₹14,352
per month · General Scheduled Employment
Structure
ConsolidatedNext revision
Linked to National Floor WageLast 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 (J&K Labour & Employment Department) before using for payroll.
Complete Rate Card - by Skill
Jammu & Kashmir UT-wide minimum wage by skill, daily and monthly (consolidated).
| Skill Category | Per Day | Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Unskilled | ₹311 | ₹8,086 |
| Semi-skilled | ₹400 | ₹10,400 |
| Skilled | ₹483 | ₹12,558 |
| Highly-skilled | ₹552 | ₹14,352 |
| Clerical / Ministerial | ₹449 | ₹11,674 |
Consolidated UT-wide rates (no separate Basic/VDA split); monthly = daily × 26. These rates have been in force since 17 October 2022 (S.O. 513) and have not been revised since - a fresh revision is expected once the national floor wage under the Code on Wages is notified. Verify on jklabouremp.nic.in.
How J&K Structures Minimum Wages (No Zones)
Jammu & Kashmir applies uniform UT-wide rates:
UT-wide skill-based rates
One rate per skill level across the Union Territory - no zones.
Consolidated wage
Rates are single all-inclusive figures, not split into Basic + VDA.
Next revision
Pending the national floor wage notification under the Code on Wages, 2019.
What Every J&K 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 Jammu & Kashmir Labour Department enforces this through Inspector-cum-Facilitator inspections across Srinagar and Jammu's retail, hospitality, tourism and handicraft establishments, so Jammu & Kashmir employers should keep payroll and statutory registers audit-ready year-round.
Source: Code on Wages, 2019 (Act 29 of 2019), Sec. 54 · J&K Labour & Employment Department
Download the Jammu & Kashmir 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 Jammu & Kashmir in 2026?
UT-wide rates range from Rs.8,086/month (Unskilled) to Rs.14,352/month (Highly-skilled), with clerical staff at Rs.11,674/month. These have been in force since October 2022.
Have J&K minimum wages been revised recently?
No. The October 2022 notification (S.O. 513) remains operative. A fresh revision is expected once the national floor wage under the Code on Wages, 2019 is notified.
Does J&K use zones for minimum wages?
No. Jammu & Kashmir applies uniform UT-wide skill-based rates.
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 Jammu & Kashmir with other states, or see the full national overview.
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