UP govt panel announces 21% wage hike after Noida violence, workers continue stir

A day after protests turned violent in Noida Phase 2, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a sharp increase in interim minimum wages, raising them by around 21 per cent for workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad.

The revision comes as part of a response to growing labour unrest in the region, with workers demanding better pay amid rising costs. Despite the announcement, protests continued on Tuesday morning, indicating that tensions on the ground remain far from resolved.

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According to the Noida District Magistrate’s office, unskilled workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad will now receive Rs 13,690 per month, up from Rs 11,313. Semi-skilled workers’ wages have been raised from Rs 12,445 to Rs 15,059, while skilled workers will now earn Rs 16,868 instead of Rs 13,940. The revised interim rates have been made effective from April 1.

Revised wage structure across districts

In districts that have municipal corporations, the new monthly wages have been fixed at Rs 13,006 for unskilled workers, Rs 14,306 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 16,025 for skilled workers.

For other districts, the rates have been set at Rs 12,356, Rs 13,591 and Rs 15,224 respectively for unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled labourers, the DM’s office said.

Protests continue despite announcement

Even after the wage revision, workers from the Hosiery Complex in Noida Phase 2 remained on a sit-in protest. Police deployment continues in the area to maintain order after Monday’s demonstrations escalated into violence.

The administration also addressed misinformation circulating online. The Noida DM dismissed claims that minimum wages in Uttar Pradesh had been fixed at Rs 20,000 per month, calling it “fabricated and false news being circulated on several social media platforms.”

Government calls for balance amid economic pressure

In an official statement, authorities said the Centre is working on introducing a national minimum “floor wage” under the new Labour Codes, aimed at ensuring a baseline wage across states.

The state government is currently consulting employer bodies and labour unions, reviewing suggestions and objections before taking a final call. Officials noted that industries are facing global and economic challenges, including rising input costs and declining exports.

At the same time, they acknowledged that workers’ concerns are “relevant, important, and worth considering,” stressing the need for a balanced approach between labour and industry.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged people to rely only on verified information from official sources. He also directed employers to ensure timely wage payments, proper overtime compensation, weekly holidays, bonuses, and social security benefits, while maintaining safety and dignity for women workers at workplaces.