Noida on edge this Labour Day: Section 163 imposed till May 8, drones deployed after workers’ unrest

Security arrangements were stepped up across Gautam Buddh Nagar on Friday as authorities moved to prevent any disruption on International Labour Day, weeks after protests by workers over pay and working hours.

The precautionary measures come in the backdrop of last month’s unrest in Noida’s industrial areas, where demonstrations over wage revision and flexibility had led to arrests and heightened tensions. Officials said maintaining order during Labour Day events was a priority, even as normal work resumed across most units.

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Section 163 imposed, surveillance tightened

As per the police, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been enforced in the district till May 8. The provision allows authorities to issue urgent preventive orders to avoid potential threats to public peace.

Security deployment has been increased in sensitive pockets, with drone monitoring introduced to keep a watch on gatherings and movement in key industrial zones.

Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh said labour union events have passed without incident so far and that the overall situation remains stable.

“The events traditionally organised by various labour unions have been held peacefully. At present, peace and order prevail everywhere. We are active on the ground. Police force has been deployed… Work is going on peacefully in all units,” she said.

350 arrests after protests, social media under scanner

The tightened vigil follows action taken during the recent protests, where more than 350 people were arrested. Police alleged that misinformation circulating on digital platforms had contributed to the unrest.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajeev Narain Mishra said certain individuals were using new digital networks to spread misleading content.

“We arrested over 350 people. Some were misusing social media, spreading rumours, and providing false information. Some were spreading misleading information through newly created WhatsApp bots and Twitter. Considering the sensitivity of this, a case has been filed against them,” he said.

He added that workers have started returning to their jobs in several companies, though in some areas, groups continued to press for their demands. Officials, he said, engaged with them through dialogue.

Interim wage hike announced after protests

Amid the unrest, a high-level committee set up by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has approved an interim increase of around 21 per cent in minimum wages for workers in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad.

As per the revised structure, unskilled workers will now receive Rs 13,690 per month, up from Rs 11,313. Semi-skilled workers’ wages have been raised to Rs 15,059 from Rs 12,445, while skilled workers will now earn Rs 16,868 compared to Rs 13,940 earlier.

Officials said the revised rates have been implemented with effect from April 1.