West Bengal Minimum Wages from 1 July 2026: Zone A and Zone B Rates for Shops and Offices, and Employer Compliance
West Bengal revised its minimum wages from 1 July 2026, under a Labour Department notification of 22 June 2026, for the period up to 31 December 2026. For shops and commercial establishments, the monthly minimum in Zone A (municipal corporations, municipalities, notified areas and development authority areas, including Kolkata) is ₹10,558 for unskilled, ₹11,615 for semi-skilled, ₹12,777 for skilled and ₹14,054 for highly skilled staff. Zone B covers the rest of the state at lower rates. The state revises rates every January and July, so the next change is due from 1 January 2027.
Rates for shops and commercial establishments, 1 July to 31 December 2026
| Category | Zone A per month | Zone A per day | Zone B per month | Zone B per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unskilled | ₹10,558 | ₹406 | ₹9,760 | ₹375 |
| Semi-skilled | ₹11,615 | ₹447 | ₹10,733 | ₹413 |
| Skilled | ₹12,777 | ₹491 | ₹11,807 | ₹454 |
| Highly skilled | ₹14,054 | ₹541 | ₹12,990 | ₹500 |
Rates differ for other scheduled employments, such as construction, hotels and restaurants, security agencies and engineering. Check the schedule for your industry.
Zones
- Zone A: areas under municipal corporations, municipalities, notified areas and development authorities, and thermal power plant townships. Kolkata, Howrah, Bidhannagar (Salt Lake), New Town and most towns fall here.
- Zone B: the rest of West Bengal.
Who is in which category?
| Category | Typical roles in shops and offices |
|---|---|
| Unskilled | Peon, cleaner, sweeper, security guard, bearer, messenger |
| Semi-skilled | Duftry, assistant accountant |
| Skilled | Clerk, typist, office assistant, data entry operator, accountant |
| Highly skilled | Head assistant, senior accountant, computer operator, sales representative, office supervisor, godown-in-charge |
Classify by the work actually done, not the designation. An “office executive” doing data entry is skilled.
What employers must do
- Pay at least the notified rate for the category and zone, from 1 July 2026. Arrears are due if you paid less.
- Update payroll each January and July. The rates move with the cost of living.
- Keep registers and wage slips, and display the notified rates at the workplace.
- Check deductions: EPF, ESI, profession tax and labour welfare fund contributions are deducted from wages, but the gross wage must meet the minimum.
- Overtime: pay overtime at twice the ordinary rate for work beyond the permitted hours.
The new central Labour Codes, in force since 21 November 2025, set a national floor wage and common definitions. State rates continue to apply and cannot fall below the floor.
FAQs
What is the minimum wage in Kolkata from July 2026?
For shops and commercial establishments, ₹10,558 a month for unskilled staff, rising to ₹14,054 for highly skilled staff (Zone A).
How often does West Bengal revise minimum wages?
Twice a year, from 1 January and 1 July.
Is Kolkata in Zone A?
Yes. Municipal corporation areas, including Kolkata, are in Zone A.
Do minimum wages apply to small offices with two employees?
Yes. Minimum wages apply regardless of the number of employees.
TAXAJ runs payroll, EPF, ESI, profession tax and labour compliance for businesses in Kolkata. See our payroll services or talk to our Kolkata team.
Last updated 11 November 2026. Sources: West Bengal Labour Department notification on minimum rates of wages effective 1 July 2026 (dated 22 June 2026), as reported by compliance publishers; Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and the Code on Wages, 2019. Verify your industry’s rates against the official notification. General information only.
