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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Low minimum wage fuels migration, school dropouts, quiet despair in Raj
1 2 3 Jaipur: After a backbreaking eight-hour slog under the unrelenting sun at a construction site, 43-year-old Shyam Lal goes home with Rs 285, his day's wage set by the Rajasthan govt for unskilled workers. With the wage, which is much lower compared to many other states, he just manages to escape the extreme poverty line of $3 a day set by the World Bank. But Shyam Lal remains enmeshed in the vicious cycle of poverty, as he struggles to fulfil educational, social and family obligations, while hoping no medical emergencies would ruin his life. "We work all day, yet return home with empty pockets," he says, reflecting the grim reality of thousands of labourers across Rajasthan. In Jan 2025, the state govt marginally increased daily wages by Rs 26 for unskilled labour, from Rs 259 to 285. But this revision, coming after several years, has done little to ease their financial distress. With monthly earnings of Rs 7,410 (based on 26 working days), even the most basic expenses are well beyond reach. Despite repeated appeals, the state still uses an outdated formula for wage revision, increasing Rs 1 for every one-point rise in Consumer Price Index (CPI). This method is widely criticised for not factoring in the impact of inflation with prices of essentials like milk and vegetables doubling in the past five years. Meanwhile, other Indian states have moved towards more progressive and inflation-sensitive models. Delhi, which revises wages quarterly, offers Rs 710 for unskilled workers and Rs 937 for highly skilled. It uses a Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) linked directly to CPI. Maharashtra adopts industry-specific wages with biannual inflation-linked updates, offering Rs 598 to Rs 764. Similarly, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu incorporate regional costs and living standards into their models. The consequences are dire. Workers in Rajasthan are migrating in large numbers to neighbouring states, leaving local industries short-staffed. Skilled artisans are leaving ancestral trades, and families are forced to pull children from schools to support household income. Economists warn that stagnant wages amid rising inflation reduce the purchasing power of workers and increase poverty even when employment remains stable. Mukesh Goswami, secretary of Rajasthan Asangathit Mazdoor Union in Jaipur, says the vicious cycle has resulted in hunger, school dropouts, and quiet despair. "After nearly 20 months, the state govt revised the wages in July 2022 by increasing only Rs 7. The increase that came in Jan 2025 was marginally better at Rs 26. In the meantime, prices of food, house rent, fuel, and education shot up to unaffordable levels. It was not a relief but an insult," said Gosawmi. Recently, the union has written a letter to CM Bhajan Lal Sharma appealing for an urgent and comprehensive revision of labour wages across all skill levels, the introduction of an inflation-responsive wage mechanism, and a structured approach to time-bound revisions. "This is not just a request, it is a sincere call for attention. What we are seeking now is not charity, but fair and dignified recognition of their contribution," said Goswami.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shyam Lal praises regional cinema's unique identity, expresses openness to new roles
Shyam Lal, known for 'Dabangg', praised Bhojpuri cinema's unique identity and loyal audience. He expressed openness to new roles if offered a strong script. Shyam also mourned the Ahmedabad plane crash victims. Recently, he appeared in the OTT film Karmasutra, marking his latest work in the industry. Shyam Lal, who has been part of several famous Bollywood movies, recently shared his thoughts on Bhojpuri cinema. He is mainly known for his role in the Salman Khan starrer 'Dabangg'. Thoughts on Bhojpuri Cinema Recently, at an event, Shyam talked about the Bhojpuri cinema and said, "The Bhojpuri film industry holds a special place with many talented artists who have their own unique identity. A large and dedicated audience loves Bhojpuri cinema, providing a loyal fan base. This strong support is why Bhojpuri films often become hits. They has its own distinct place with many talented artists who have a unique identity. A large and dedicated audience loves Bhojpuri cinema, and this fixed fan base is why Bhojpuri films often become hits." Openness to New Roles The actor further added, "So far, I haven't received any offers. But if there's a good script and a strong character, I would definitely consider it. I haven't done any work yet, but I would love to be part of a good film." Reaction to Ahmedabad Plane Crash He expressed his sorrow over the Ahmedabad plane crash, sharing his heartfelt reaction, "It is very sad news. I was deeply shocked upon hearing it. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this loss." Recent Work On the work front, Shyam Lal was recently seen in an OTT film 'Karmasutra'.
India Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
J&K cop threatens suicide over salary, climbs tree, rescued by MLA after 5 hours
There was high drama in Himachal Pradesh's Dalhousie when a Special Police Officer (SPO) from Jammu and Kashmir on Monday climbed a pine tree and threatened to die by suicide over a cut in his salary. However, he was rescued after nearly five hours when an MLA from the Union Territory was called 48-year-old officer, Shyam Lal, climbed the tree near Banikhet at a height of 15 metres and refused to come down. He threatened the passer-by that if anyone tried to climb the tree, he would hang himself by a rope. The officer said he was facing financial difficulties and had a salary cut from Rs 18,000 to just Rs 4,000 after the Covid-19 called the village chief, who, in turn, informed the police, following which a team of police and fire brigade arrived. Nets were laid, a ladder was put on the tree and teams spread out to rescue the SPO who communicated from atop the tree. The SPO, who had climbed the tree around 4.30pm, came down approximately five hours after the police called in the MLA from Bani in Kathua, Rameshwar distance from Bani to Banikhet is approximately 68 km by road and takes around two hours. Singh, however, managed to reach by 9.20 the plea of the SPO, Singh said the former used to earn a salary of Rs 18,000, which came down to just Rs 4,000."He told me that he worked through the most difficult period. His child is in Chandigarh and he had taken loans, but his salary was just Rs 4,000 after Covid. He then told me how do I survive with such a meagre amount," the MLA said, adding that he decided to climb atop a tree and attempt to kill however, said that the action of Shyam Lal was not right. "The decision regarding salary revision lies with the Centre since Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory," he local officers moved by the SPO's plight said they would speak to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about his no case was registered, the SPO was allowed to leave with the MLA after a medical test. Though the police enquired if Shyam Lal had taken any intoxicants, local authorities ruled it out and allowed him to return to Jammu and Kashmir.(with inputs from Vishal Anand) IN THIS STORY#Himachal Pradesh#Jammu and Kashmir
