The Government of Andhra Pradesh has revised the Cost of Living Allowance (VDA) under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, effective from 01 April 2026.
As per the official notification, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been updated, and VDA is now applicable based on revised points across multiple scheduled employments.
The revision impacts various sectors such as:
- Shops & Commercial Establishments
- Security Services
- Engineering & Manufacturing
- Agriculture & Allied Activities
Employers must ensure that wages are paid as per the updated basic + VDA structure, depending on skill category (Unskilled, Semi-skilled, Skilled, Highly Skilled).
The revised VDA will be applicable for the period 01 April 2026 to 30 September 2026.
Shops & Commercial Establishments – Minimum Wages
| Category | Basic Wage (Zone I) | Basic Wage (Zone II) | VDA | Total Wage (Zone I) | Total Wage (Zone II) | Skill Category |
| Manager / Officer / Programmer | 5557 | 5138 | 8947 | 14504 | 14085 | Highly Skilled |
| Accountant / Supervisor / Sales Executive | 4722 | 4520 | 8947 | 13669 | 13467 | Skilled |
| Technician / Electrician / Mechanic | 4520 | 4302 | 8947 | 13467 | 13249 | Skilled |
| Clerk / Typist / Assistant | 4102 | 3886 | 8947 | 13049 | 12833 | Semi-Skilled A |
| Computer Operator / Weighman | 3886 | 3757 | 8947 | 12833 | 12704 | Semi-Skilled B |
| Peon / Helper / Watchman | 3700 | 3370 | 8947 | 12647 | 12317 | Unskilled |
