Increase in minimum wages after 13 years, previous governments failed to understand the plight of workers: Bhagwant Mann

On the occasion of May Day today, the Punjab Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to increase the minimum wages by 15 percent after 13 years. All registered workers of government and private sector will get its benefit. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann described this increase as a respect for the contribution of the labor class.

mention of importance of education

Referring to the importance of education, the Chief Minister said that only education can improve the lives of workers and the AAP led government is making revolutionary reforms in the education sector. He took a sharp dig at Congress for walking out of the special session. On this occasion, he announced that Shukrana Yatra will be taken out after the passage of Jagat Jot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Samman (Amendment) Act-2026.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "The base rate of minimum wages for labor workers was last revised in 2012. Although dearness allowance has been increasing since 2012, there has been no increase in the base rate of minimum wage. On this holy day of May Day, the minimum wages of workers have been increased in this special session of the Legislative Assembly."

What did CM say on respect for the contribution of workers?

Describing this increase as a respect for the contribution of the workers, the Chief Minister said, "An increase in the minimum wage is truly a true respect for workers, appreciating their contributions." The entire House remembers the exemplary role of workers in the socio-economic progress of the state. Although this increase should have happened 13 years ago, no one tried to give this increase due to insensitive attitude towards the workers.

Referring to the failure of previous governments, he said, "The tenure of the last two governments passed without increasing the wages of these working people, whereas this class is the backbone of the society. On May Day, which is considered a symbol of workers’ struggle globally, I pay tribute to those workers who sacrificed their lives in the year 1886 to improve the working conditions in Chicago."

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the workers and the working class should come forward to usher in an era of development, peace and prosperity and celebrate May Day not only as a historical day but also with a firm resolve to protect their rights. The government has taken this historic initiative for their welfare and their welfare will be further strengthened through increase in registration.

Taking a dig at the opposition party, he said that the session started cordially but the Congress leaders could not digest it and boycotted it on the pretext of no issue, which reflected their narrow mindedness as big landlords, businessmen and oligarchs were not concerned with the welfare of the workers. On the contrary, the AAP government has taken many important steps to protect the rights of the working class.

Highlighting the education reforms, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to the revolutionary changes in the education system, children from weaker and backward classes are now achieving great achievements in government schools and recently 359 students have passed the JEE Main examination. He told that out of 15 students who shared their experiences, 9 to 10 were children of labourers. He further said that when these children get good placements, the fortunes of their families will automatically change.

He stressed that education is very important to uplift the families of poor and backward classes. For this reason the government has given highest priority to education. I salute the labor unions and their enthusiasm for fighting for the rights of the workers. He said that the government will continue to take every possible step to ensure the welfare of the workers, so that they continue to contribute more and more to the state and the country.

What did Bhagwant Mann say while citing the law?

Citing the law, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that we are fortunate that Wahiguru entrusted us with the responsibility of passing the Jagat Jot Shri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026 unanimously. He said that there is a provision of strict punishment for ‘sacrilege’ in this bill, which has been brought with the aim of stopping such incidents by creating an atmosphere of fear among the perpetrators of crimes. He said that the ‘desecration’ of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji was a deep conspiracy to destroy the peace, goodwill, brotherly partnership and communal harmony of the state.

Emphasizing on strict action, he said that this law ensures that no one found guilty of this unforgivable crime will be pardoned, which will serve as a strong lesson for others. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh and it is our duty to ensure its sanctity. He said that people all over the world are expressing happiness and thanks for this historic step.

Announcing the yatra, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to thank God, he will start the Shukrana Yatra from Sri Anandpur Sahib on May 6, which will continue till May 9. During this yatra, obeisance will be done at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Damdama Sahib, Mastuana Sahib, Gurudwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, the sole purpose of which is to thank the Akal Purakh for giving strength and courage to pass this important Act.