How Jammu and Kashmir sets its minimum wages
Jammu and Kashmir fixes a single statewide minimum wage by skill category, with no zones. The rates are consolidated figures (basic and dearness allowance merged), and the monthly figure is the daily rate multiplied by 26.
The rates were set by Notification S.O. 513, effective 17 October 2022, and a February 2026 government statement confirmed they remain in force. Because there has been no revision or dearness-allowance top-up since 2022, the figures are low relative to other states, but they are the current statutory minimum. Establishments in the central sphere (such as railways, banks and mines) follow the Centre's separate, higher rates.
Jammu and Kashmir has not revised these rates since October 2022. A government statement in February 2026 confirmed they remain in force; confirm the current position before relying on them.
What employers must do
- Pay every worker at least the notified minimum for their skill category and zone. Paying below it is an offence.
- Pay overtime at twice the ordinary rate for work beyond normal hours.
- Maintain a wage register, muster roll and wage slips, and pay within the wage period.
- Update payroll at each revision so no worker slips below the new minimum.
For contractors and staffing firms deploying workers across Jammu and Kashmir, keeping every worker on the right skill and zone rate by hand is error-prone. ZeniaHR payroll checks each worker's wage against the applicable state minimum automatically and handles the registers and PF/ESI returns.
Related calculators
Work out the deductions on a Jammu and Kashmir wage with our free tools: the in-hand salary calculator, the PF calculator and the ESI calculator. Confirm the official rates on the Jammu and Kashmir Labour and Employment Department.
Keep every worker on the right wage, automatically
ZeniaHR flags any worker paid below the applicable minimum wage and updates rates at each revision. Built only for manpower and staffing companies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Jammu and Kashmir in 2026?
Jammu and Kashmir's minimum wages have not been revised since October 2022, and those rates remain in force. An un-skilled worker earns at least ₹311 per day, about ₹8,086 per month; semi-skilled ₹400, skilled ₹483 and highly-skilled ₹552 per day. There are no zones.
Why is the minimum wage in Jammu and Kashmir so low?
Because Jammu and Kashmir has not revised its minimum wages or added a dearness allowance since the October 2022 notification, so the figures have not kept pace with inflation. A February 2026 government statement confirmed the 2022 rates remain in force.
When were Jammu and Kashmir's minimum wages last revised?
In October 2022, by Notification S.O. 513 (effective 17 October 2022). No revision has been issued since, and the rates were confirmed still in force in early 2026.
Does Jammu and Kashmir have wage zones?
No. Jammu and Kashmir uses a single statewide rate by skill category, with no zone-wise variation.