KATHMANDU – The government has officially implemented the newly fixed minimum wage of Rs 19,550 for workers. It published the revised wage rate in the Nepal Gazette, under Section 107 of the Labor Act, 2017, which mandates a revision of the minimum wage every two years.

The new minimum wage was determined through an agreement among employers, workers, and the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security.

Labor Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari stated that merely fixing the wage is not enough; all stakeholders must commit seriously and responsibly to its effective implementation.

Nepal Trade Union Congress (NTUC) Vice-President Radhika Kuinkel said the wage has increased by Rs 2,250. “It has now reached Rs 19,550 from the earlier Rs 17,300,” she said, adding that the implementation will begin as it has already been published in the gazette on July 21.

Following the government’s publication in the gazette, the Labor Institution must now enforce the new rate.

Joint Secretary Pradeep Koirala said the ministry is preparing to introduce procedures for implementation, hold committee meetings every three months, and conduct field visits.

Chandra Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), emphasized that consensus on minimum wage is essential to maintaining sustainable labor relations.

Nepal Trade Union Congress President Yogendra Kumar Kuwar called the revision a significant achievement in ensuring a dignified life for workers, stabilizing the labor market, and protecting workers’ rights guaranteed by the Labour Act and Trade Union Act.