The Government of Maharashtra has officially notified the revised minimum wages for employees covered under the Shops and Establishments sector, applicable from 1st July 2026 to 31st December 2026. In addition to the prescribed minimum wages, a House Rent Allowance (HRA) component is applicable to establishments employing more than 50 workers, providing additional support to employees towards their housing expenses.
Zone Classification
- Zone I: Municipal Corporations, Cantonment areas, and industrial areas within 20 km of Municipal Corporation limits.
- Zone II: Areas under “A” and “B” grade Municipal Councils.
- Zone III: All other areas in Maharashtra not covered under Zone I or II.
Minimum Wages Table (Basic + Special Allowance/VDA) for Shops & Establishments
| Zone | Class of Employment | Basic Per Month | VDA Per Month | Total Per Month | Total Per Day |
| Zone I | Skilled | ₹ 11,632.00 | ₹ 4,134.00 | ₹ 15,766.00 | ₹ 606.38 |
| Semi-Skilled | ₹ 10,856.00 | ₹ 4,134.00 | ₹ 14,990.00 | ₹ 576.54 | |
| Unskilled | ₹ 10,021.00 | ₹ 4,134.00 | ₹ 14,155.00 | ₹ 544.42 | |
| Zone II | Skilled | ₹ 11,036.00 | ₹ 4,134.00 | ₹ 15,170.00 | ₹ 583.46 |
| Semi-Skilled | ₹ 10,260.00 | ₹ 4,134.00 | ₹ 14,394.00 | ₹ 553.62 | |
| Unskilled | ₹ 9,425.00 | ₹ 4,134.00 | ₹ 13,559.00 | ₹ 521.50 | |
| Zone III | Skilled | ₹ 10,440.00 | ₹ 4,134.00 | ₹ 14,574.00 | ₹ 560.54 |
| Semi-Skilled | ₹ 9,664.00 | ₹ 4,134.00 | ₹ 13,798.00 | ₹ 530.69 | |
| Unskilled | ₹ 8,828.00 | ₹ 4,134.00 | ₹ 12,962.00 | ₹ 498.54 |
Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA)
A fixed component of ₹4,134 per month is added to all skill levels across zones as Special Allowance / Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA), raising the base rates.
House Rent Allowance (HRA) — Additional 5% for Large Establishments
If your establishment employs more than 50 workers, you must add an additional 5% HRA on the sum of Basic + Special Allowance (VDA).
| Skill Level | Zone I HRA | Zone II HRA | Zone III HRA |
| Skilled | ₹ 788.30 | ₹ 758.50 | ₹ 728.70 |
| Semi-Skilled | ₹ 749.50 | ₹ 719.70 | ₹ 689.90 |
| Unskilled | ₹ 707.75 | ₹ 677.95 | ₹ 648.10 |
Total Monthly Wage Calculation (Example for Skilled Worker in Zone I with >50 Employees)
- Basic: ₹11,632
- VDA: ₹4,134
- Sum (Basic + VDA): ₹15,766
- HRA (5% of 15,766): ₹788.30
- Total Monthly Wage = ₹15,766 + ₹788.30 = ₹16,554.30
Key Points
- The Government’s wage revision policy involves biannual reviews.
- The additional HRA is mandated by the Maharashtra Workmen’s Minimum House Rent Allowance Act, 1983, ensuring larger employers contribute toward workers’ housing expenses.
- Employers must strictly comply to avoid penalties and ensure fair remuneration.
Official Notification
Maharashtra Minimum Wages Notification July 2026 [PDF]
Explore More :
- West Bengal Minimum Wages Revised from 01 July 2026
- Karnataka Minimum Wages Revised from 22 May 2026
- Telangana Minimum Wages Revised from 01 June 2026