The Labour Department, Government of West Bengal has published the draft West Bengal Code on Wages Rules, 2026 vide Notification No. Labr/103/Law dated 13 July 2026 under Section 67 of the Code on Wages, 2019. Objections and suggestions can be sent within 45 days from 13 July 2026 . These are draft rules only and will come into force on the date of their final publication in the Official Gazette.

Key highlights

Minimum wages will be fixed on a day basis; the daily rate divided by eight gives the hourly rate and multiplied by twenty six gives the monthly rate.
Variable dearness allowance will be revised twice a year, before 1 April and before 1 October, based on the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Employees.
A normal working day will be eight hours, and total weekly working hours cannot exceed forty eight.
Every employee gets one weekly rest day, ordinarily Sunday in a six day week, with paid rest days and no employee working more than ten days continuously without rest.
Work on a rest day attracts overtime wages of not less than twice the normal rate along with a substituted rest day.
In establishments running through contractors, the principal employer must pay the contractor the amount payable towards employee wages under the Code.
Total deductions cannot exceed fifty percent of wages in a month; any excess must be recovered in instalments from succeeding wage periods.
Fines and deductions for damage or loss need a seven day show cause opportunity to the employee before imposition.
The State Advisory Board will meet at least twice a year with a three year term for its Chairperson and members.
Every employee must nominate a person in Form VII to receive dues in case of death, with nomination compulsorily in favour of family members.
Undisbursed dues of a deceased employee must be deposited with the Assistant Labour Commissioner within the prescribed timelines.
Employers must maintain an Employee Register (Form I), Wages and Deductions Register (Form IV) and Attendance Register cum Muster Roll (Form IX), electronically or physically, preserved for five years.
Wage slips in Form V must be issued to every employee on or before payment of wages.
Returns will be filed electronically in the forms under the OSH Code, 2020.
For claims a single application in Form II can be filed for a group of employees. For appeals in Form III the employer must first deposit the claim amount.
Compoundable offences can be settled by paying fifty percent of the maximum fine through Form VI.
If a contractor fails to pay minimum bonus, the principal employer must pay it on confirmation of the failure.

Regulatory changes can directly impact your business. Ensure you are fully compliant before the deadlines. Connect with our experts for guidance and support.

WhatsApp at 9050576838 | 📩 info@praansconsultech.com

West Bengal Code on Wages Rules , 2026 (Draft)