Goa revises its variable dearness allowance (VDA) based on the average Consumer Price Index Number for the preceding six months. For this cycle, the index rose from 379 to 424.8 (rounded to 425 points, base 2001=100), an increase of 46 points for industrial workers, taking the VDA to Rs. 149 a day with effect from 1 April 2026. The order applies uniformly across 20 scheduled employments, with the total wage additionally split by zone and specific job designation.
Two things to check first
The VDA of Rs. 149 a day is common to every employment and designation; only the basic wage differs by zone (Zone A pays more than Zone B) and by skill category (unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled and clerical). The order was signed on 29 April 2026 but applies retrospectively from 1 April 2026, so arrears are due for that gap.
Scheduled Employments: Wage Rates by Category and Zone
Every figure is taken from the live wage table published on Simpliance for Goa, effective 1 April 2026. The underlying table lists 190 individual designations; the rates below are the common basic, VDA and total figures shared across every designation within each category and zone.
| Class of Employment | Zone | Basic Per Day (Rs.) | VDA Per Day (Rs.) | Total Per Day (Rs.) | Total Per Month (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unskilled | Zone A | 412 | 149 | 561 | 14,586 |
| Unskilled | Zone B | 407 | 149 | 556 | 14,456 |
| Semi-skilled | Zone A | 473 | 149 | 622 | 16,172 |
| Semi-skilled | Zone B | 468 | 149 | 617 | 16,042 |
| Skilled | Zone A | 528 | 149 | 677 | 17,602 |
| Skilled | Zone B | 523 | 149 | 672 | 17,472 |
| Clerical | Zone A | 528 | 149 | 677 | 17,602 |
| Clerical | Zone B | 523 | 149 | 672 | 17,472 |
Clerical staff (accountants, typists, clerks, store clerks, receptionists) are paid the same total as Skilled workers. Unskilled covers roles such as chowkidar, cleaner, labourer, loader/unloader, mazdoor, sweeper, helper, peon, watchman and packer; Semi-skilled and Skilled each list over 20 named designations.