Bengaluru, 25 May

The Karnataka State Hotels Association has warned that the government’s decision to implement revised minimum wages will lead to a significant rise in food prices across hotels and restaurants.

Noting that the average minimum wage increase is about 60 per cent from current wages, association President GK Shetty said a plate of Idli could jump from Rs 50 to Rs 80, while Masala Dosa might rise from Rs 80-90 to Rs 150.

Vegetarian meals costing Rs 150-200 could increase to Rs 250-300, and Bengaluru’s biryani dishes could go from Rs 300-350 to nearly Rs 500. He added, “With such increases, eating out will become more expensive for ordinary citizens, impacting the hotel industry.”

The state has notified new minimum wages for both organised and unorganised sectors. An unskilled worker in Greater Bengaluru should be paid Rs 23,376 per month, while a highly skilled worker’s wage is set at Rs 31,114. Outside Bengaluru, wages range from Rs 19,300 to Rs 21,251.

Shetty highlighted that the 60 per cent wage hike would increase operating costs for small and family-run hotels already grappling with rising expenses, including LPG prices and utility tariffs.

He emphasised, “Hotels provide food, lodging and other facilities. The government should have considered the industry’s unique nature before imposing such a steep wage hike.”

The association appealed to the government to reconsider the wage revisions.