A day after violent protests by factory workers in Noida, the Uttar Pradesh government announced a revision in minimum wages across labour categories, with the new rates to be implemented from 1 April with retrospective effect.
Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam said the revised wage structure was recommended by a high-level committee and approved by the Chief Minister.
At the same time, the state government issued an official clarification dismissing viral claims on social media that minimum wages had been fixed at Rs 20,000 per month, calling such reports “completely baseless and misleading.”
New Wage Structure Across Regions
Under the revised framework, unskilled workers in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad will now earn Rs 13,690 per month, up from Rs 11,313. Semi-skilled workers will receive Rs 15,059, while skilled workers will be paid Rs 16,868.
In other municipal corporation areas, wages have been set at Rs 13,006 for unskilled workers, Rs 14,306 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 16,025 for skilled labour.
For the remaining districts, unskilled workers will get Rs 12,356 per month, semi-skilled workers Rs 13,591, and skilled workers Rs 15,224.
According to the issued statement, the revision followed consultations with employer bodies and labour unions, with the government describing the outcome as a “balanced and practical” decision after examining stakeholder feedback.
In its statement, the government said the Centre is in the process of finalising a national “floor wage” under the new labour codes to ensure a uniform baseline for workers across states. It added that rules under the new wage code are still being framed, and a formal process to determine minimum wages will be initiated based on recommendations of a wage board expected to be constituted soon.
Pending that, the state has opted for an interim hike while ensuring compliance with legal provisions aimed at safeguarding workers’ interests.
Protests Triggered Policy Response
The wage revision comes after large-scale protests earlier this week, when thousands of workers in Noida took to the streets demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The demonstrations turned violent in parts, prompting the administration to step in, set up a committee, and initiate dialogue between workers and employers.
Labourers said stagnant wages and difficult working conditions were key triggers for the unrest. Gautam Buddh Nagar Additional Labour Commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi said workers are seeking wage parity with neighbouring Haryana, while there other issued like overtime and food also.
Workers alleged that even after 12-hour shifts, monthly earnings remain between Rs 11,000 and Rs 15,000, making it difficult to sustain households. Some also claimed that overtime payments are not being made as per norms.
Govt Flags Industry Challenges, Urges Compliance
The state government noted that industries are currently facing global and economic pressures, including rising input costs and weaker exports, even as workers’ demands remain “relevant and worthy of consideration.”
It urged employers to ensure timely wage payments, overtime compensation, weekly holidays, bonuses, and social security benefits, while also emphasising workplace safety, especially for women workers.
The Chief Minister also condemned unlawful activities during the protests and directed strict action against disruptive elements.
Opposition Targets Government
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticised the state government, alleging that “injustice has reached its peak” and that workers’ long-pending demands had been ignored.
“When neighbouring states have revised minimum wages, why did the state government not do so?” he said.
In a separate post on X, he described the protests as “the result of the one-sided policy of the BJP government, which favours capitalists while exploiting ordinary working employees and salaried labourers.”
Yadav said in a separate video, “The Uttar Pradesh government ranks number one when it comes to lying. The CM claims that this is a conspiracy, but if it truly is a conspiracy, did his intelligence wing also accompany him to Bengal to campaign? By labelling this a ‘conspiracy,’ they are merely attempting to mask their own failures.”
He further added, “Given the current high inflation, it is only natural for labourers to come forward with their demands. The committee formed today to engage in dialogue with the labourers could have been constituted much earlier.”
(With input from agency)
