Minimum Wages of Tamil Nadu

The Office of the Commissioner of Labour, Chennai, has issued Order No. Z3/3459/2026 dated 18.02.2026, announcing the revised Dearness Allowance (DA) rates under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, effective from 01.04.2026. The revised Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) has been calculated using the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) of Chennai City for the calendar year 2025 and applies to various scheduled employments across Tamil Nadu. For example, employees in Hospitals and Nursing Homes will receive a VDA of ₹44 per point per month, amounting to ₹5,544 per month, while Security Guards are entitled to ₹56 per point per month, resulting in a monthly VDA of ₹10,248 from 1 April 2026. Employers must update wages in accordance with the revised DA to ensure compliance with the statutory minimum wage provisions.