-MSMEs, Export Units Hit Hard by Minimum Wage Increase : Industry Leaders
-Gurugram Industry Leaders Urge Govt to Review Minimum Wage Increase
Gurugram: The Confederation of Haryana Industries Associations (CHIA), representing over 30 industrial bodies across major hubs such as Gurugram, Manesar, Sohna, Rewari, Faridabad, Panipat, and Rohtak, has raised serious concerns over the recent steep hike in minimum wages in Haryana, calling it financially burdensome for industries.
A delegation led by CHIA Patron Ashok Kohli and Convener Deepak Maini met Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Uttam Kumar to submit a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister. The delegation urged the government to reconsider the increase and implement it in a phased manner to reduce the immediate financial strain on businesses.
According to the memorandum, the sudden hike of ₹4,000 in minimum wages has translated into an overall additional burden of ₹6,000–₹7,000 per employee for industries when factoring in associated costs. Industry representatives argued that such a sharp rise is difficult to absorb, especially at a time when businesses are still recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing global uncertainties.
Chairman of PFTI and Convener of CHIA, Deepak Maini stated that industries are already grappling with multiple challenges, and the abrupt wage increase has further intensified financial pressures, making operations increasingly unsustainable.
Echoing similar concerns, Ashok Kohli emphasized that while the industry supports worker welfare, the timing and scale of the hike have disproportionately impacted small and export-oriented units, particularly in sectors like garments.
Highlighting the broader cost pressures, Vinod Bapna CHIA member and representative from CII noted that industries are already dealing with rising electricity tariffs, increased contributions towards ESI and PF, compliance expenses, and environmental and regulatory costs. In such a scenario, the additional wage burden could affect competitiveness and operational viability.
R. P. Khatana CHIA member and President of Sohna Mewat Industries Association, warned that the sudden increase may have adverse implications for industrial stability, employment generation, and overall growth. He termed the move impractical without a gradual implementation strategy.
Advocate R. L. Sharma, Director General of PFTI, also called for a balanced approach, suggesting that the government should assess the cumulative financial impact on industries before enforcing such decisions. He advocated a phased rollout to safeguard both employment and industrial sustainability.
The delegation included several prominent industry representatives such as Col. Raj Singla (Patron, CHIA)
Ashok Kohli (Patron, CHIA) , Deepak Maini (Convener, CHIA & Chairman, PFTI) , Vinod Bapna (District President, CII) , Dr. S.P. Agrawal (Vice Chairman, PFTI) ,Advocate R.L. Sharma (Director General, PFTI) ,R.P. Khatana (President, Sohna Mewat Industries Association) ,Kishan Kapoor (President, Haryana Industries Association)
Shripal Sharma (President, Kadipur Industries Welfare Association) , Ashwani Sharma (General Secretary, Chamber of Industries, Udyog Vihar) were among others, reflecting widespread concern across Haryana’s industrial ecosystem.
Industry bodies reiterated their support for labour welfare measures but stressed the need for policy decisions that balance worker interests with the financial health and competitiveness of industries.