Noida Labour Protests: Govt hikes wages, but is that enough? Latest update here

Authorities in Noida stepped up security on Tuesday after labour protests were reported across multiple industrial pockets. Police said a sector-based deployment plan has been activated in all affected zones to prevent further escalation.

Route marches from early morning

Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh said companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed. Civil police units have been integrated with PAC teams to strengthen ground presence.

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Continuous route marches have been carried out since 5 am. Officials said workers gathered at three locations in the morning but were dispersed within minutes after discussions with police teams.

“Route marches have been conducted continuously since early morning. Workers gathered at three locations and were dispersed within fifteen minutes after talks,” Singh said, urging workers to maintain peace.

Protests continue despite wage hike

The protests, centred in industrial areas of Gautam Buddha Nagar, continued even after the state government announced an interim wage hike of around 21 per cent.

According to the district administration, monthly wages for unskilled workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad have been raised from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690. Semi-skilled wages have increased to Rs 15,059 from Rs 12,445, while skilled workers will now receive Rs 16,868 compared to Rs 13,940 earlier. The revised rates are effective from April 1.

For districts with municipal corporations, wages have been set at Rs 13,006 for unskilled, Rs 14,306 for semi-skilled, and Rs 16,025 for skilled workers. In other districts, wages have been fixed at Rs 12,356, Rs 13,591 and Rs 15,224, respectively.

Violence, arrests and police action

The agitation turned violent on Monday in the Phase 2 industrial area. Protesters allegedly pelted stones and set vehicles on fire following a clash with police.

More than 300 people have been arrested in connection with the violence. Police said multiple FIRs have been registered and further action is underway.

Singh also flagged concerns over organised mobilisation through social media. “Several WhatsApp groups were created in the past two days where workers were added through QR codes. This suggests a coordinated effort. Some individuals have been identified and arrested,” she said, adding that funding sources will also be investigated.

Government engages, workers hold ground

The Uttar Pradesh government has formed a high-level committee under the Industrial Development Commissioner to engage with workers, labour unions and industry representatives.

State Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta said discussions are ongoing and a solution will be reached after considering all stakeholders.

He also alleged political involvement behind the unrest, accusing opposition parties of attempting to disrupt law and order. In response, Akhilesh Yadav rejected the claims and said the protests reflect genuine economic distress amid rising inflation.

Wage demand remains key trigger

Officials said four major demands raised by workers have already been addressed. However, the demand for a further wage increase remains unresolved and continues to drive the protests.

The administration said it is aware of workers’ concerns and is working towards a balanced solution. It also dismissed claims circulating on social media that minimum wages had been fixed at Rs 20,000 per month, calling them “false and fabricated”.

What next

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged workers to rely only on official information and maintain calm. He further urged employers to adhere to prompt wage disbursements, provide overtime pay, and offer worker welfare benefits.

As security measures are heightened and discussions continue, the situation is still in flux. A verdict on additional wage adjustments is anticipated later today, a development that could significantly influence the protests' trajectory.