Minimum Wage in Nepal: Regulations, Current Rates, and What Employers Should Know

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on the minimum wage in Nepal. Whether you're an employer striving to be fully compliant with labor laws or an employee keen on understanding your rights, we've got you covered. So, grab a cup of coffee and let's unravel the mysteries of minimum wage in Nepal together!

Current Rates in Nepal

The Numbers You Need to Know

The current minimum remuneration in Nepal effective from Shrawan 1, 2080 (i.e. mid July 2023) is Rs. 17,300 per month out of which the minimum basic remuneration is Rs. 10,820 and the dearness allowance is Rs. 6,480. ?

Basic Remuneration” should be at least 60% of the gross remuneration! This is important as almost all the benefits as per the employment laws of Nepal is based on the Basic Remuneration. So, higher Basic Remuneration means higher Benefits!

Please note that the Government of Nepal reviews and revises minimum remuneration in Nepal every 2 years based on the recommendation of the Minimum Remuneration Fixation Committee as per Section 106 & 107 of Labor Act 2074. The Minimum Remuneration Fixation Committee is formed by the Ministry Of Labour, Employment and Social Security and has representation from the Government of Nepal, Trade Union and employer associations. Here is the Nepal Rajpatra (official gazetter of the Nepal Government) published specifying the latest revision of minimum wages. ?

Legal Regulations and Provisions

Staying Compliant

As already outlined above, Section 106 of the Labour Act 2074 provides for review and revision of minimum remuneration every two years. Such revised minimum remuneration is applicable from the first day of the new fiscal year in which the notice is published in the Nepal Rajpatra. No employer in Nepal can enter into an employment agreement with anyone in Nepal that specifies a lower remuneration that the minimum remuneration specified by the Nepal Government.?

Implications for Employers

Risks and Responsibilities

Failure to comply with minimum wage laws isn't just unethical; it's illegal and can lead to penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. Employers have a responsibility to keep abreast of changes in legislation and ensure that their pay scales are in line with the latest rules. Doing so not only protects your business but also fosters a more equitable and committed workforce. In addition, the notice regarding the minimum remuneration also requires the employer to add any other benefits including contribution to contribution based Social Security Fund which includes provident fund, gratuity and other contribution towards medical insurance and accidental insurance. The total contribution to be made by the employer is 20% in total as follows:? Provident Fund: 10% of Basic Remuneration?

Gratuity: 8.33% of Basic Remuneration

Other Contributions: 1.67%

Therefore, in effect, the total cost to the company i.e. CTC for the employer is Rs. 19,464 after adding the above contribution.

How about the take-home salary? Do the employees receive Rs. 17,300 in hand??

Not exactly. The employee is also required to make a contribution of 11% of their Basic Remuneration to the Social Security Fund out of which 10% of Basic Remuneration is towards provident fund and 1% (earlier collected as Social Security Tax) towards the health and maternity benefit scheme of the Social Security Fund. Therefore, the minimum take home salary or the in-hand salary is Rs. 16,108.80 only.?

Final Takeaways

Understanding the minimum wage laws in Nepal is crucial for both employers and employees. While the laws aim to protect workers from exploitation, they also establish guidelines that employers must follow. This dual benefit ensures a healthier labor market and a more prosperous nation.

For more, read our detailed article here.

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