Status
Mandatory for All Employers
Effective Period
In force from 20 September 2024
Notification
Final notification · 20 Sep 2024
Issued by the Labour Department, Government of Puducherry. Applies to every employer registered under Shops & Commercial Establishments in Puducherry. Non-compliance attracts penalty under the Code on Wages, 2019.
Minimum Wages in Puducherry
2026 — Skill-Wise Rates
Official minimum wage rates for the Union Territory of Puducherry - applied uniformly across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam (no zones). Rates are consolidated (DA bundled), per the September 2024 Shops & Establishments notification.
Quick Answer
Puducherry’s minimum wages for Shops & Commercial Establishments run from about ₹11,131/month (Unskilled) to ₹11,695/month (Highly-skilled), as consolidated figures. In force since the September 2024 notification.
₹11,131 - ₹11,695
per month · Shops & Commercial Establishments
Structure
ConsolidatedNext revision
Annual (CPI-linked, April)Last 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 (Puducherry Labour Department) before using for payroll.
Complete Rate Card - by Skill
Puducherry Shops & Commercial Establishments - consolidated monthly minimum wage by skill.
| Skill Category | Total / Month |
|---|---|
| Unskilled (Peon, Watchman, Helper) | ₹11,131 |
| Semi-skilled (Clerk, Typist, Salesman) | ₹11,242 |
| Skilled (Accountant, Supervisor) | ₹11,283 |
| Highly-skilled (Manager) | ₹11,695 |
Consolidated monthly figures (basic + DA bundled; not itemised). Daily ≈ monthly ÷ 26. Rates apply uniformly across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. DA is CPI-linked and revised annually. Sources differ slightly on mid-tier values - verify on labour.py.gov.in.
How Puducherry Structures Minimum Wages (No Zones)
Puducherry applies uniform rates UT-wide:
Uniform across regions
Same rates in Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam - no zones.
Consolidated wage
A single figure with DA bundled in, not split into Basic + VDA.
Annual DA revision
The dearness component is CPI-linked and revised annually.
What Every Puducherry 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 Puducherry Labour Department enforces this through Inspector-cum-Facilitator inspections across Puducherry's manufacturing, retail, hospitality and tourism establishments, so Puducherry employers should keep payroll and statutory registers audit-ready year-round.
Source: Code on Wages, 2019 (Act 29 of 2019), Sec. 54 · Puducherry Labour Department
Download the Puducherry 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 Puducherry in 2026?
For Shops & Commercial Establishments, consolidated rates run from about Rs.11,131/month (Unskilled) to Rs.11,695/month (Highly-skilled). In force since the September 2024 notification.
Does Puducherry use zones for minimum wages?
No. The same rates apply uniformly across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam.
How often are Puducherry minimum wages revised?
The DA component is CPI-linked and revised annually (typically 1 April). The base Shops & Establishments notification dates to September 2024.
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 Puducherry with other states, or see the full national overview.
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