Living Wage in India : A Myth or Reality?

The wage structure in any industry is not static and cannot be treated as a fixed cost. It is dynamic and keeps on changing, more so when it is tested on the touchstone of social justice. Whenever wage disputes are adjudicated by the Judiciary, it is always referred to ever-changing socio-economic conditions from time to time vis-à-vis the contentions of the workmen and employers. Recent news published in a reputed English daily has drawn the attention of the stakeholders on the living wage. Before discussing on Living Wage, it is pertinent to have a clear understanding of the Basic Concepts of wages like Minimum Wage, Fair Wage, and Living Wage. They are not new to the HR Professionals, but still, conceptual clarity is missing due to various reasons. These concepts of Minimum Wage, Fair Wage, and Living Wage are not legally defined under Law. Initially, the committee on Fair wages and the Tripartite body of Indian Labour Conference deliberations provided a base to make these wage concepts clear. For clarity and understanding, it is considered necessary to reproduce the details...