UP hikes minimum wages after Noida unrest, rates effective April 1

Noida, Apr 14: The Uttar Pradesh government has hiked minimum wages across worker categories following unrest in Noida, with revised rates coming into effect from April 1 retrospectively.

Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam, on Tuesday, said, "The wage increase has been done by the high-powered committee. The decision was approved by CM UP late last night."

In Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad, unskilled workers will now get Rs 13,690 per month, up from Rs 11,313, while semi-skilled workers will receive Rs 15,059, and skilled workers Rs 16,868, according to an official statement.

For other municipal corporation areas, the revised monthly wages have been fixed at Rs 13,006 for unskilled workers, Rs 14,306 for semi-skilled workers and Rs 16,025 for skilled workers.

In the remaining districts, unskilled workers will get Rs 12,356 per month, semi-skilled workers Rs 13,591, and skilled workers Rs 15,224.

The decision follows consultations with employers' bodies and labour organisations.

The government said suggestions and objections were examined to ensure a "balanced and practical" outcome.

The move comes against the backdrop of large-scale protests by factory workers in Noida on Monday, when thousands demanded higher wages and better working conditions.

The demonstrations turned violent in parts of the district, prompting the government to constitute a committee to address the situation and engage with the workers and employers.

According to the statement, the committee is working towards resolving industrial discord through dialogue and coordination, while also considering further measures to address workers' concerns.

It said that industries are facing global economic challenges, including rising input costs and declining exports, even as workers' demands regarding wages, overtime, safety and working conditions remain "relevant and important."

"In such a situation, it is essential to adopt a balanced approach between industry and labour," the government said, adding that provisions under the new labour codes aim to ensure fair wages and protect workers' interests.

Meanwhile, Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh said that more than 300 individuals had been arrested and seven FIRs registered in connection with the workers' protest that turned violent in Noida.

Addressing the press on Tuesday, Singh said continuous route marches have been carried out since early morning to maintain law and order.

"Route marches have been conducted continuously since 5:00 am. This morning, workers gathered at three locations; following immediate dialogue, they were peacefully dispersed within just 15 minutes," she said.

Singh said individuals involved in instigating unrest have been identified and arrested, and further action is underway.

"Their funding sources will also be investigated; should it be discovered that they received financial assistance from outside the state or the country, appropriate action will be initiated in that regard as well," she said.

PTI