Gangtok, May 2: The Sikkim government has raised the minimum wage for labourers in proportion to the altitude they work in.

Workers constructing road in Nathu-la and its adjoining areas above 14,000 feet will now be entitled to a 70 per cent hike in their daily wages. Porters engaged in trekking expeditions above 16,000 feet will be paid double the present rate. Those working between 8,001-12,000 feet will get a 50 per cent hike.

The present rate of minimum wage for labourers is Rs 100.

The government’s recent notification — announced on May Day — also defines unskilled, semi-skilled and highly-skilled workers. These are applicable for 25 industries in the state. The minimum daily wage for an unskilled worker has been increased from Rs 80 to Rs 100. The rate goes up to Rs 150 a day for highly-skilled worker, labour department sources said.

A. K. Singh, an official of the Border Roads Organisation, welcomed the government move. “We already pay incentives to those working in high altitudes,” he said.