Wage War in Noida: Yogi Adityanath Govt Announces 21% Hike After Violent Protests

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced an interim increase of about 21 per cent in minimum wages for workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad following large-scale protests in Noida Phase 2, officials said on Tuesday.

The decision was taken by a high-level committee constituted by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

According to the Noida District Magistrate’s office, monthly wages for unskilled workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad have been raised from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690.

Semi-skilled workers will now receive Rs 15,059 instead of Rs 12,445, while skilled workers will get Rs 16,868, up from Rs 13,940. The revised interim rates are effective from April 1.

In districts with municipal corporations, the monthly wages for unskilled workers have been increased to Rs 13,006, for semi-skilled workers to Rs 14,306 and for skilled workers to Rs 16,025.

How have minimum wages been revised in other districts of Uttar Pradesh?

In other districts, the wages have been revised to Rs 12,356 for unskilled workers, Rs 13,591 for semi-skilled workers and Rs 15,224 for skilled workers.

State Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi said that a committee formed by the government is holding discussions with workers to resolve the issues.

The move follows unrest in Noida, where a large number of factory workers demanding higher wages clashed with police and threw stones a day after violent protests caused traffic disruptions across multiple locations in the city and adjoining areas.

Gupta accused the Samajwadi Party and Congress of attempting to disturb law and order.

In a statement, he said, "Our government has taken the matter very seriously. A panel of senior government officials has been formed under the chairmanship of the Industrial Development Commissioner... Anarchic and thug elements of the Samajwadi Party and Congress have repeatedly conspired to disrupt the state's peace and order under the guise of such protests.”

Did “outsiders” incite unrest during the Noida wage protests?

“At first glance, it cannot be denied that they played a suspicious role in inciting workers through rumours, " the statement added.

Police said that "outsiders" attempted to incite unrest after workers had dispersed peacefully, and several such elements have been detained. Seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the violence.

"The committee formed by the government is holding talks with representatives of labour unions, industry groups, and all stakeholders,” the statement further said.

“After detailed discussion and due consideration of all points, a suitable solution to the issue will be reached as soon as possible. Any antisocial element challenging this identity and environment will face such action that people for seven generations will shudder at the mention of the crime. I appeal to all parties to exercise restraint and patience,” it added.

According to a police statement, around 40,000 to 45,000 workers from various sectors gathered at more than 80 locations across Noida on Monday, leading to disruptions and law and order issues in parts of the district.

Did the Noida administration deny Rs 20,000 minimum wage claims in Uttar Pradesh?

Meanwhile, the Noida District Magistrate has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the minimum wage in Uttar Pradesh had been fixed at Rs 20,000 per month, calling them "fabricated and false news being circulated on several social media platforms."

Authorities said police prioritised public safety and maintained law and order by using the minimum necessary force.

An official statement noted that the Centre is in the process of establishing a national minimum "floor wage" under the new Labour Codes, aimed at ensuring a uniform baseline minimum wage across the country.

The state government is holding consultations with employer organisations and labour unions, and suggestions and objections received are being examined to ensure a balanced decision.

The release said the industry is currently facing global and economic challenges, including rising raw material prices and declining exports, even as the demands raised by workers remain relevant and important.

Why is Uttar Pradesh stressing a balanced approach in its minimum wage decision?

It added that a harmonious and balanced approach between industry and workers is essential. Provisions related to wages and salaries, including minimum wage norms under the new Wage Code, have been designed to protect workers' interests.

The government said it is ensuring compliance with legal provisions while taking into account the interests of all stakeholders, and has decided to immediately implement an interim increase in minimum wages.

The process to determine minimum wages will begin based on recommendations of a Wage Board, which will be constituted next month.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to the public to rely only on official information.

He also urged employer organisations to ensure timely payment of wages, overtime, weekly holidays, bonuses and social security benefits, while maintaining safety and respect for women workers.

Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar described the violence during the protests as a "well-planned conspiracy" and said a possible Pakistan link was also being examined in light of recent terror-related arrests in the region.

“In recent days, four suspected terrorists have been arrested from Meerut and Noida, whose links were connected to handlers based in Pakistan. In such a situation, the possibility of a conspiracy to create instability in the state gains strength. Agencies are seriously investigating the entire matter," the statement added.

(With inputs from ANI)