The Chandigarh administration has approved an average increase of about 8 per cent in minimum wages for outsourced and contingent employees across departments for the 2026–27 financial year. This revision of deputy commissioner (DC) rates will benefit more than 20,000 workers in the Union Territory.
Under the new rates, attendants, chowkidars, beldars, helpers, classroom and bus cleaners, washermen, dog catchers, and dressers will now earn Rs 24,494 per month, up from Rs 22,680. Clerical staff salaries have been raised to Rs 32,701 from Rs 30,850, while firemen, road inspectors, and security guards will receive Rs 31,982 compared to the earlier Rs 29,613. Last year, the hike was 5 per cent, making this year’s increase more substantial.
In addition, employees who have completed five years of continuous service as of 31 March, 2026, will receive an extra 2 per cent increment on their basic wages. The revised DC rates apply to outsourced and contingent staff working in UT administration departments, boards, corporations, PSUs, and autonomous bodies.
However, central government offices and those of Punjab and Haryana located in Chandigarh can decide whether to adopt these rates.
The wages are calculated for an eight hour duty, with part time staff paid proportionately. Departments may also offer higher pay or additional perks depending on job conditions. Certain posts not covered under the UT Employees Revised Pay Rules, 2023, have been frozen, with no hike granted until further review.
This move reflects the administration’s effort to balance fair compensation with workforce stability across outsourced employment categories.