Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Kerala Revises Prisoner Wages, Skilled Inmates Earn Rs 620/Day
The Kerala government has decided to increase the wages of prisoners who work in jails.
Skilled prisoners will now earn Rs 620 per day, while semi-skilled and unskilled prisoners will earn Rs 560 and Rs 530, respectively.
This change comes after nearly seven years.
Currently, prisoners earn much less, with unskilled workers getting only Rs 63 per day.
The government wants to make sure prisoners have a better life after they leave jail.
Kerala has six wage categories for prisoners, which is more than the three categories in other states.
The new wages are also higher than those in prisons in Karnataka, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi.
Additionally, prisoners in open jails who work in rubber tapping will get extra incentives during the Onam season.
Kerala government revises prisoner wages after nearly seven years.
Skilled prisoners to earn Rs 620 per day, semi-skilled Rs 560, and unskilled Rs 530.
Current wages are Rs 168 for skilled, Rs 127 for semi-skilled, and Rs 63 for unskilled prisoners.
Kerala has six wage categories for prisoners, compared to three in other states.
Revised wages are higher than those in prisons in Karnataka, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi.
- Who
- Kerala government
- What
- Revised wages for prisoners engaged in various works in jails
- When
- January 9, 2024 (order issued)
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- To protect human rights and ensure a decent life for prisoners after completing their jail terms
- Current Wages (Skilled)
- Rs 168/day
- Current Wages (Semi-Skilled)
- Rs 127/day
- Current Wages (Unskilled)
- Rs 63/day
- Revised Wages (Skilled)
- Rs 620/day
- Revised Wages (Semi-Skilled)
- Rs 560/day
- Revised Wages (Unskilled)
- Rs 530/day
- Wage Categories in Kerala
- 6 (Skilled, Semi-Skilled, Unskilled, and 3 others)
- Wage Categories in Other States
- 3 (Skilled, Semi-Skilled, Unskilled)