However, if NREGA wages were equal to the State minimum wages, the wages in Kerala would increase from ₹490 to about ₹540. But barring three States/UTs, NREGA wages are still lower than the State minimum wages elsewhere, in violation of the law. Minimum wages are neither a dole nor an act of charity. In Sanjit Roy v. State of Rajasthan (1983), the Supreme Court held that paying less than minimum wages is akin to “forced labour”. Yet, the current daily NREGA wages are just a quarter of the minimum daily living wage of ₹692 as outlined in the 7th Pay Commission.

Source: The Hindu October 09, 2019 18:45 UTC