Protests by industrial workers continued for the second consecutive day on Tuesday at the Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 of Noida, even after the Uttar Pradesh government announced a significant increase in minimum wages.
Heavy police deployment remained in place across the area as authorities worked to maintain order. Workers, however, stayed firm on their demand for higher wages and improved working conditions, indicating that the government’s recent announcement has not fully addressed their concerns.
The unrest follows violent clashes on Monday, when protests escalated after an altercation between demonstrators and police personnel. Protesters allegedly pelted stones and set vehicles ablaze, leading to widespread disruption. According to Gautam Buddha Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh, more than 300 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incidents, and seven FIRs have been registered across different locations.
Commissioner Singh stated that police have been conducting continuous route marches since early morning to ensure peace. “Workers gathered at three locations today but were dispersed within fifteen minutes after immediate dialogue,” she said. She also revealed that authorities suspect organised elements behind the unrest, pointing to the creation of multiple WhatsApp groups where workers were mobilised through QR codes. Some individuals allegedly involved in instigating violence have already been identified and arrested, with further action and investigation into possible funding sources underway.
Meanwhile, a high-powered committee constituted by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been actively engaging with stakeholders, including labour unions and industry representatives, to resolve the issue. The committee has already held extensive discussions and recommended interim wage revisions.
As per the revised structure, minimum wages in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad have been increased by around 21 per cent. Unskilled workers will now receive ₹13,690 per month, up from ₹11,313. Semi-skilled workers’ wages have been raised to ₹15,059 from ₹12,445, while skilled workers will now earn ₹16,868 compared to ₹13,940. These revised rates have been made effective retrospectively from April 1.
In other municipal corporation areas, wages have been set at ₹13,006 for unskilled workers, ₹14,306 for semi-skilled workers, and ₹16,025 for skilled workers. For the remaining districts, the revised wages stand at ₹12,356, ₹13,591, and ₹15,224 for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers, respectively.
Despite these measures, the protests have triggered a political confrontation in the state. Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta alleged that opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and Indian National Congress, were attempting to disturb law and order by instigating unrest. He stated that the government is taking the matter seriously and assured that a resolution would be reached soon through dialogue.
On the other hand, Akhilesh Yadav, chief of the Samajwadi Party, dismissed the government’s claims, accusing it of deflecting responsibility. He argued that rising inflation has naturally pushed workers to demand better wages and criticised the delay in forming a committee to address their concerns.
As tensions continue in the industrial hub, authorities have appealed to workers to return to their jobs and help restore normalcy in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, while discussions between stakeholders remain ongoing to find a lasting solution.
