UP Hikes Minimum Wages Across Categories, After Noida Unrest

Noida/Lucknow: After days of protests by workers in Noida and Greater Noida, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a significant hike in minimum wages, offering relief to labourers even as tensions remain high in parts of the region.

The decision comes in the wake of demonstrations that turned violent earlier this week, with incidents of stone pelting, vandalism and arson reported across industrial areas.

Wage Hike Announced, New Rates Effective From April 1

According to officials, wages of unskilled workers in Noida and Ghaziabad have been increased from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690 per month. Semi-skilled workers will now earn Rs 15,059, while skilled workers’ wages have been raised to Rs 16,868 per month.

District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar, Medha Roopam, said the revised wages have already been notified and are applicable from April 1. Officials said this marks one of the highest one-time wage increases for workers in UP, providing significant relief.

Clarification on Rs 20,000 Wage Claim

The administration also clarified that reports claiming a minimum wage of Rs 20,000 per month are false and misleading. Medha Roopam said the Centre is currently working to determine a national “floor wage” under the new labour codes, which aim to ensure fair minimum wages across states. She added that the rules under the new labour codes are still in the process of being finalised.

Security Tightened After Violence

Following the unrest, heavy security has been deployed across Gautam Buddha Nagar. Along with local police, forces from Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Rapid Response Force (RRF), as well as personnel from nearly 10 districts, including Ghaziabad, Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Agra, Gonda, Etawah, Mathura and Aligarh, have been deployed to maintain law and order.

Authorities have urged people not to pay attention to rumours and warned of strict action against those involved in violence.

Why Workers Took To Streets

The protests were triggered by wage demands and workers' dissatisfaction with rising living costs and working conditions. Workers noted that while inflation has increased sharply, their salaries have remained between Rs 9,000 and Rs 13,000 for long periods.

Many said they work up to 12 hours a day but do not receive proper overtime pay. Complaints also included a lack of weekly holidays and delays in salary and bonus payments.

Haryana Wage Hike Triggered Demands

The agitation gained momentum after neighbouring Haryana announced a 35 per cent hike in minimum wages effective April 1, 2026. Workers in Noida, especially in industrial hubs like Phase-2, Hosiery Complex and sectors 60, 62 and 84, began demanding similar revisions.

Protests Turn Violent

What began as peaceful demonstrations last week turned violent on April 13. Workers blocked roads, set vehicles on fire, pelted stones and damaged property in several areas. Police resorted to lathicharge and tear gas to control the situation. Several police personnel were injured, and dozens of workers were detained. Traffic movement in key stretches was severely affected.

Workers’ Key Demands

Workers had put forward several demands, including:

• Minimum wage of Rs 18,000-Rs 20,000 per month.
• Double payment for overtime.
• Weekly day off.
• Timely salary by the 10th of every month and a regular bonus.
• Better working conditions and safety measures.

Govt Acts After Escalation

Earlier, the administration had issued directives on overtime pay, weekly holidays, and timely salaries, but protests continued. Following the escalation into violence, the state government swiftly announced the wage hike.

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2. Noida Protest: Yogi Highlights Governance Model, Opposition Blames Govt Over Workers’ Discontent In UP