From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Mar 12: Goa government on Thursday, March 11 revised minimum wages to the workers, hiking it by nearly 30 per cent, though labour unions showed their dissatisfaction over the quantum of raise.

State Labour Minister Joaquim Alemao this afternoon announced that the minimum wages to various skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers would be raised from Rs 103 per day to Rs 150 per day in 20 scheduled employment categories.

The revision in the wages has come after almost three years and it will benefit around three lakh workforce from organised and unorganised sector.

Alemao, briefing media after holding Goa Labour Welfare Board meeting, said that labour inspectors would be commissioned in every industry to ensure that the minimum wages commitment is honoured by the owners.

Various labour union leaders, labour department officers and representatives of industry, were present for the meeting held at secretariat. The pay revision will be effective from December 24, 2009.

"The workers would be paid the arrears," Alemao said. The minister said that the last revision had come on March 15, 2007 and since then the labour unions have been pressing for the increase through their various agitations.