More than 45,000 journalists and non-journalists got a Diwali gift from the Union Cabinet on Tuesday. It approved the final Majithia Wage Board recommendations.
The revised wages, with hikes ranging from 10 to 30 per cent, will come into force with effect from July 2010. Allowances, such as transport, house rent and hardship shall be effective from the date of notification of the awards in the Gazette.
“The recommendations contained in Chapter XIX and XX of the final report will be published in the Gazette of India for implementation by the newspaper establishment and news agencies”, an official release said.
Announcing the decision, the Labour and Employment Minister, Mr Mallikarjun Kharge, said: “Since the Supreme Court has not stayed (the award), the Cabinet has taken the decision. Now, the Supreme Court’s decision will be binding on both the parties. We are sending the proposal to the Law Ministry for immediate notification.”
The Majithia Wage Board’s final report was submitted on December 31, 2010. Pursuant to that, newspaper owners had moved the apex court, challenging the recommendations.