Reforming Wage Fixation: A Call for Modernization
Reforming Wage
Fixation: A Call for Modernization
The Aykroyd formula
, used for wage fixation in India, is outdated, gender bias, smells of
colonial mindset, violates constitutional provisions and fails to consider
modern expenses like digital needs, healthcare inflation, and occupational
energy demands. The widening minimum-to-maximum wage ratio (1:13.85 vs. 1:8
pre-1996) further deepens inequality, contradicting constitutional
principles of justice, equality, and dignity.
1. Why Wage Reform
is Necessary
Aykroyd’s 2700
kcal/day model ignores varying job intensities:
|
Job Type |
Caloric Needs |
Current Wage Basis |
|
Office Work |
2400–2700 kcal |
1.0x Aykroyd |
|
Moderate Work |
3000–3500 kcal |
1.2–1.4x Aykroyd |
|
Heavy Labor |
3500–4500 kcal |
1.5–1.8x Aykroyd |
|
Paramilitary |
4000–5000 kcal |
1.8–2.0x Aykroyd |
|
Combat Soldiers |
4500–6000 kcal |
2.0–2.5x Aykroyd |
✅ Issue: Hardworking personnel (railway,
paramilitary, laborers) need higher wages to meet their energy and
health needs.
✅ Example: A soldier in training cannot be paid the same as an
office clerk.
2. Reducing Wage
Disparity
🔹 Indian Constitution (Articles 14, 21, 43)
supports fair wages but the 1:13.85 wage gap violates this.
🔹 Solution: Restore the 1:8 ratio,
ensuring fair income distribution while maintaining competitive salaries.
3. Addressing the
Needs of Paramilitary & Soldiers
✅ Higher wages for trainees meeting
4500–6000 kcal/day needs.
✅ Risk allowances for combat/high-stress zones.
✅ Progressive wage adjustments from training to active duty.
4. Family-Centric
Wage Model
🔹 Wages should cover 4 family unit plus dependent
parents (aligned with Maintenance
& Welfare Act, 2007).
🔹 Healthcare costs for elders must be
factored into salaries.
5. A Modern Wage
Fixation Model
📌 Job-Based Caloric Needs – Higher wages
for physically demanding roles.
📌 Digital & Education Costs –
Internet, upskilling expenses included.
📌 Social Security & Healthcare –
Family medical expenses covered.
📌 Inflation Adjustments – Real wage
growth over time.
📌 1:8 Salary Ratio Restoration – Fair
economic balance.
Conclusion
The Aykroyd model
is obsolete and suppresses wages for labor-intensive jobs. A modern wage
structure must reflect job intensity, family needs of 4 units plus parents,
and real economic factors. Ensuring fair wages will boost productivity,
equity, and economic stability.
📢 It’s time for the Pay Commission to
modernize wage fixation and uphold justice for all employees!
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