UP hikes minimum wages across categories (Img: Internet)
Noida: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved an interim increase of around 21% in minimum wages for workers in key industrial districts, including Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad. The decision comes in the wake of large-scale protests by factory workers in Noida demanding better pay and working conditions.
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The wage revision follows days of intensifying protests across the Gautam Buddh Nagar commissionerate. Tens of thousands of workers gathered at multiple industrial locations, including Sectors 62, 63, 60, and Phase-2 areas, as well as parts of Greater Noida.
Clashes were reported in some areas, prompting the administration to intervene and initiate dialogue between workers and employers. A high-powered committee was formed to review demands and recommend changes.
The highest increase has been recorded in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad. Unskilled workers will now receive ₹13,690 per month, while semi-skilled workers will earn ₹15,059. Skilled workers’ wages have been revised to ₹16,868 per month.
In other municipal corporation areas, wages for unskilled workers have been set at ₹13,006, semi-skilled at ₹14,306, and skilled workers at ₹16,025.
For the remaining districts, unskilled workers will now earn ₹12,356 per month, semi-skilled ₹13,591, and skilled workers ₹15,224.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed employers to ensure timely payment of wages, proper overtime compensation, and weekly holidays. He also stressed the need for safe working conditions, particularly for women workers, along with access to bonuses and social security benefits.
The government said the revised wages were finalised after considering feedback from multiple stakeholders. It described the decision as a “balanced and practical” approach, keeping in mind both workers’ demands and industry challenges such as rising input costs and slowing exports.
UP Govt announces wage hike after Noida protests; Here’s when it will be implemented
Authorities also clarified that claims of a uniform ₹20,000 minimum wage are incorrect, stating that no such order has been issued.
Officials indicated that a wage board will soon be constituted to determine a final structure. Interim revisions linked to indexation are also under consideration as part of ongoing efforts to address labour concerns.
