Panaji: The state government has pre-published the draft Goa Code on Wages Rules, 2026, seeking objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 45 days from the date of its notification in the Official Gazette.
The rules are proposed under the provisions of the Code on Wages, 2019 and aim to streamline and modernise wage regulations in the state.
With the new draft, the government proposes to replace existing frameworks, including the Goa, Daman and Diu Payment of Wages Rules, 1964, Minimum Wages Rules, 1975, and Minimum Wages (Advisory Board) Rules, 1974. These older provisions stand repealed under the central Code, except for actions already undertaken.
A key feature of the draft rules is a scientific approach to fixing minimum wages. The calculation is based on a standard working-class family comprising a worker, spouse and two children, factoring in nutritional requirements, clothing, housing rent, fuel and other essential expenditures such as education and healthcare.
The rules also introduce classification of workers into four categories—unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and highly skilled—along with geographic divisions of Zone A (urban and industrial areas) and Zone B (other regions) for wage determination. A technical committee will assist the government in categorising occupations and advising on wage fixation.
Provisions have also been made for revising the variable dearness allowance twice a year based on the Consumer Price Index. Employers will be required to maintain digital or physical wage registers and issue wage slips to employees.
The draft further outlines norms on working hours, weekly rest, overtime, deductions and dispute redressal mechanisms. All objections and suggestions can be submitted to the Secretary (Labour) before finalisation of the rules.
