Will Kerala Set a Minimum Wage for Private Hospital Workers?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, Kerala's Labour Minister V. Sivankutty has ordered the issuance of a draft notification to revise minimum wages for private hospital employees. This step aims to address the inadequacies of past wage structures and ensure fair compensation for workers. Discover what this means for the healthcare sector in Kerala.
Key Takeaways
- Minimum wage revision for private hospital workers is imminent.
- A 60% wage increase has been proposed.
- The draft notification will be published within a month.
- Trade unions have already agreed to the wage hike.
- The revision aims to enhance workers' living standards.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Kerala General Education and Labour Minister, V. Sivankutty, has mandated that a draft notification aimed at revising the minimum wages for employees within the private hospital sector in the state be published in the official Gazette within a month.
This instruction was conveyed to the Labour Department Secretary during a meeting of the Private Hospital Industrial Relations Committee held in Thiruvananthapuram.
The decision to release the notification under Section 5(1)(b) of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 was made due to the inability to reach a consensus in discussions conducted by the Minimum Wages Committee, primarily due to lack of cooperation from management representatives.
A committee set up by the government in October 2023 to reassess wages collected evidence across all 14 districts and engaged in multiple rounds of discussions.
However, no agreement was achieved because of the inflexible approach taken by management representatives.
The Minister emphasized that most private hospitals still pay wages based on the 2013 notification, which he criticized as insufficient for workers to adequately support their families given the current living conditions.
Improving wages for workers is a governmental obligation, Sivankutty asserted, insisting that discussions cannot be prolonged indefinitely.
He noted that trade unions have already consented to a proposal for a 60% wage increase, formulated at the departmental level based on the 2013 notification.
Furthermore, the Minister clarified that the proposed changes would not place any additional financial burden on hospitals.
While drafting the notification, the government will consider the demands put forward by organizations such as the Indian Association of Physiotherapists, Kerala Private Pharmacists Association, Indian Society of Radiographers and Technologists, and the Indian Speech Language and Hearing Association.
The meeting included the presence of Additional Labour Commissioner K. M. Sunil, members of the Private Hospital Minimum Wages Committee, and other officials.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the government's proactive stance in addressing wage disparities in the healthcare sector. This initiative aims to enhance the living standards of workers who play a vital role in our society. A balanced approach must be maintained to ensure both fair wages and sustainability within the private healthcare system.
NationPress
05/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the revision of minimum wages?
The revision was prompted by the failure to reach a consensus during discussions held by the Minimum Wages Committee due to management representatives' non-cooperation.
How much is the proposed wage increase?
The proposed wage increase is 60%, which was accepted by trade unions based on the previous notification.
What is the timeline for the new wage notification?
The draft notification is expected to be published in the official Gazette within one month.
Will hospitals incur additional costs due to the wage increase?
The Minister clarified that the proposal will not impose any additional financial burden on hospitals.
Which organizations' demands will be considered in the new wage structure?
The government will take into account the demands raised by organizations such as the Indian Association of Physiotherapists and the Kerala Private Pharmacists Association.
