Under Section 9 of the Code on Wages, 2019, which authority is empowered to fix the floor wage, and what factor must be considered while doing so?

Section 9(1) of the Code on Wages, 2019 vests the power to fix the floor wage exclusively in the Central Government and mandates that it be fixed by taking into account the minimum living standards of a worker. The floor wage may differ across geographical areas, per the proviso to Section 9(1). Section 9(2) clarifies that minimum wages fixed by any appropriate Government cannot fall below this floor wage, and an existing higher minimum wage cannot be reduced to match the floor. Before fixing the floor wage, the Central Government may take the advice of the Central Advisory Board and consult State Governments under Section 9(3). The ultimate notifying authority, however, remains solely the Centre.