CM defends wage hike; dares BJP, Cong to follow suit

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday stuck to his government’s decision to hike minimum wages in Delhi and said money in the hands of the poor and middle classes and not “Ambani and Adani”, would benefit the country’s economy. He dared the BJP and Congress to show the courage to take similar decisions in the states ruled by them.

“I told those who are threatening to strike work and shut industries that overall business is anyway bleak across the country since no one has money in hand. When money will reach the poor then it will have a positive effect on the economy as demand and subsequently consumption will rise,” Kejriwal said.

The Delhi Chief Minister also said that the “trickle down theory” has completly failed to help the poor in the country. “They often talk about trickle down theory which essentially means that make the rich richer and the common public will make do with the droplets.

“Policies have to benefit the poor. There will be an escalation of cost, no doubt, but in the middle term and long term it will benefit everyone when money will reach the middle class and the poor,” Kejriwal said.

The Delhi Cabinet approved revision of minimum wages by 50 per cent. As per the government’s decision, the minimum wages for unskilled person will be Rs 14,055 against the existing Rs 9,568 in the national capital.

Besides, the same for semi-skilled and skilled persons will increase from Rs 10,582 to Rs 15,471 and from Rs 11,622 to 17,033 respectively. Repeatedly referring to “Ambani and Adani” in his address at his official residence, Kejriwal alleged that government policies are “deliberately” framed to ensure profit for few families in the country, leading to “deepening” chasm in the society and spike in unemployment and crime.

“We will have to implement it in Delhi and then raise our voice across the country. I urge Modiji to look beyond Ambani and care for the people. If the Centre wants then it can implement the same across the country in one go,” he said. Kejriwal had announced the government’s decision the raise wages in his Independence Day speech.