Noida worker protests: Yogi Adityanath govt hikes minimum wages across UP, new rates effective April 1

A day after massive protests by workers across industrial units in Noida, the Uttar Pradesh Government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a hike in minimum wages across categories.

The decision was taken following a meeting of a special committee constituted by the state government to engage stakeholders and chart a way forward after the unrest. Even as police stepped up patrols across the city to prevent further escalation, the government moved swiftly to implement the panel’s recommendations.

Revised wages (effective April 1)

According to an official statement, the revised monthly wages are as follows:

Gautam Buddh Nagar & Ghaziabad:

• Unskilled workers: ₹13,690 (up from ₹11,313)

• Semi-skilled workers: ₹15,059

• Skilled workers: ₹16,868

Other municipal corporation areas:

• Unskilled workers: ₹13,006

• Semi-skilled workers: ₹14,306

• Skilled workers: ₹16,025

Other districts:

• Unskilled workers: ₹12,356

• Semi-skilled workers: ₹13,591

• Skilled workers: ₹15,224

The revised wages will be implemented retrospectively from April 1, the government said.

Background: protests turned violent

Workers had been agitating over low wages, poor working conditions, overtime issues, and safety concerns. On Monday, protests in parts of Noida turned violent, prompting the government to form a committee for dialogue and resolution.

Government response

The state government acknowledged that workers’ demands are “relevant and important,” while also pointing to challenges faced by industries, including rising input costs and declining exports.

“It is essential to adopt a balanced approach between industry and labour,” the statement said.

The government added that the current revision is an interim measure based on indexation, and a wage board will soon be constituted to recommend a final structure.

It also denied reports claiming a flat minimum wage of ₹20,000 per month had been fixed across the state.

Security tightened, probe underway

Police have intensified security measures, conducting route marches since early morning and dispersing gatherings at multiple locations. Around 300 people have been detained and seven FIRs registered in connection with the protests.

Uttar Pradesh Police is also probing a possible “syndicate angle.” Laxmi Singh said several WhatsApp groups were created using QR codes to mobilise workers, suggesting the involvement of an organised network.