Kerala Minimum Wage Revision: Crucial Compliance Update for Employers | SGC Services

The Government of Kerala, Department of Economics and Statistics, has officially updated the Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Industrial Workers. This direct statistical shift triggers an immediate revision in the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) payout for all scheduled employments across the state. Employers operating in Kerala must realign their payroll structures immediately to prevent costly statutory penalties and remain aligned with the Minimum Wages Act.

The adjusted rates came into effect starting September 2026. This mandate applies universally across all 88 defined employment sectors in the state, including key corporate and retail drivers like Shops and Commercial Establishments, the Computer Software Sector, Manufacturing, Hospitality, and Logistics.

The amended rates for all the categories are as below:-

KERALA Shops and Commercial Establishments
Minimum Wages Rates for Cochin w.e.f 1st Dec ‘2016

S.NO	CLASS OF EMPLOYMENT	Monthly
S.NO	CLASS OF EMPLOYMENT	BASIC	DA (w.e.f September’2026)	TOTAL
Special Grade
1	Manager	9330	5330	14660

Grade ‘A’
1	Head Clerk	9120	5330	14450
2	Sales Supervisor/Supervisor
3	Stenographer
4	Electrician
Grade ‘B’
1	Accountant	8910	5330	14240
2	Clerk
3	Typist
4	Cashier
5	Booking Clerk
6	Bill Collector
7	Salesman/Sales women
Grade C5330
1	Shop Assistant	8700	5330	14030
Grade D
1	Attender	8490	5330	13820
2	Peon
3	Watchman
Grade E
1	Office Assistant/Sales Assistant(Commercial Establishment)	8280	5330	13610
2	Sweeper	8280	5330	13610