Tripartite agreement takes effect with PM Oli calling it a strong backing for workers
KATHMANDU, JULY 18
The government has increased the minimum monthly wage for workers to Rs 19,550, effective from the beginning of the new fiscal year 2082/83 BS. The decision, reached through a tripartite agreement among government representatives, employers, and trade unions at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, came into force on Thursday.
The revised wage includes a basic salary of Rs 12,170 and a dearness allowance of Rs 7,380. The raise replaces the previous monthly wage of Rs 17,300 and is in line with Section 107 of the Labour Act, 2074 BS, which mandates a wage review every two years.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, expressing satisfaction through social media, emphasized that "progress is not possible without labour, and prosperity meaningless without respect for labourers." He said the wage hike builds on earlier efforts like the contribution-based social security scheme, under which 2.1 million workers have been enrolled.
The private sector welcomed the decision as a vital move toward sustainable labour relations. Trade union representatives also hailed the agreement as a historic win, noting it was the first time workers' voices were meaningfully included in minimum wage negotiations.
