Minimum Wages Act, 1948
4. Minimum rate of wages
(1) Any minimum rate of wages fixed or
revised by the appropriate government in respect of scheduled employments under
section 3 may consist of –
(i) a basic rate of
wages and a special allowance at a rate to be adjusted at such intervals and in
such manner as the appropriate government may direct to accord as nearly as
practicable with the variation in the cost of living index number applicable to
such workers (hereinafter referred to as the "cost of living
allowance"); or
(ii) a basic rate of
wages with or without the cost of living allowance and the cash value of the
concessions in respect of suppliers of essential commodities at concession
rates where so authorized; or
(iii) an all-inclusive
rate allowing for the basic rate the cost of living allowance and the cash
value of the concessions if any.
(2) The cost of living allowance and the cash
value of the concessions in respect of supplied of essential commodities at
concession rate shall be computed by the competent authority at such intervals
and in accordance with such directions as may be specified or given by the
appropriate government.