Labour and Skills (E) Department, Government of Kerala, published this notification proposing revised minimum rates of wages, in supersession of the notification issued under G.O.(P) No. 196/2016/LBR dated December 21, 2016 (S.R.O. No. 785/2016). The proposal covers employees in Shops, Commercial Establishments, Hotels, Canteens, and Restaurants (Schedule I), and employees in Courier Services, D.T.P. Centres, Internet Cafes, Telephone Booths, Catering Services, and House Boat Service (Schedule II). The notification states that objections and suggestions may be submitted to the Special Secretary to Government, Labour and Skills (E) Department, within the stated two-month period from Gazette publication.

Schedule I sets out monthly and daily wage rates by Category (A: Shops/Commercial Establishments/Lodges; B: Hotel/Canteen/Restaurant; C: Daily Rated Workers; D: Piece Rates), each subdivided into Grades A through E, with rates varying by establishment size (1–3, 4–20, 21–50, above 50 workers). Schedule II sets out similar graded wage structures for (A) Courier Establishments, D.T.P. Centres, Internet Cafes, Telephone Booths; (B) Catering Services (monthly and daily rated); and (C) House Boat Service. The notification states that Dearness Allowance is payable in addition to basic wages, calculated on the Consumer Price Index (base 2011-12=100) for each point increase above 165 points, at ₹60 per point for monthly-rated workers, ₹2.30 per point for daily-rated workers, and a proportionate rate for piece-rated workers. It states a special wage of ₹300 per month applies to employees working in Municipality/Corporation areas. It states that daily wages for monthly-rated employees are calculated by dividing monthly wages by 26, and monthly wages for daily-rated employees by multiplying daily wages by 26. It states that where an employee is receiving wages higher than the proposed minimum, the higher rate continues to apply.