Ningxia is to raise minimum wages by an average of 24.9% from April 1, the standing conference of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional government decided Sunday, at a meeting in Yinchuan, capital of the region.

It is the eighth time Ningxia has adjusted minimum wages since they were first introduced in the region in February 1995.

Adjusted monthly wages of full-time employees will rise from 710 yuan (USD$ 107.9) to 900 yuan (USD$ 136.8) in tier-one areas of Ningxia, from 660 yuan (USD$ 100.4) to 820 yuan (USD$ 124.7) in tier-two areas, and from 605 yuan (USD$ 92) to 750 yuan (USD$ 114) in tier-three areas.

A senior official from the Ningxia Human Resources and Social Security Department said the adjusted minimum wage of Ningxia ranks 12th nationwide. The adjustment aims to reduce income inequality and provide legal safeguards to support the income of employees in the region.