The Noida administration has announced a series of safeguards for industrial workers, including double payment for overtime, a compulsory weekly off, and timely salary disbursal, after protests over low wages in the city’s industrial belt escalated into violence in Phase 2.
The measures were finalised during a meeting at the Noida Authority office in Sector 6 attended by District Magistrate Medha Rupam, Noida Authority Chief Executive Officer Krishna Karunesh, and Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh. Senior labour department officials, including Principal Secretary MKS Sundaram and Labour Commissioner Markandey Shahi, joined the meeting virtually.
The decision comes after unrest erupted in the industrial area when large groups of employees gathered to protest and demand higher salaries. The demonstration later turned violent, with incidents of stone pelting and vandalism reported. Several vehicles were damaged, and at least one vehicle was set on fire during the protest.
Police rushed to the spot and deployed a heavy force to bring the situation under control. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd as authorities worked to restore order in the busy industrial zone.
Workers raise multiple demands
During the protest, workers raised a range of demands related to wages and workplace conditions. These included salary increments, bonus payments, weekly holidays, overtime pay, and timely payment of salaries. Employees also demanded the issuance of salary slips and called for the formation of a sexual harassment committee and a formal grievance redressal system within companies.
The unrest follows two days of demonstrations by factory workers across Noida’s industrial belt over concerns about low minimum wages and working conditions.
Wage gap with neighbouring state fuels anger
The protests intensified after the Haryana government recently increased monthly minimum wages from ₹14,000 to ₹19,000, a rise of nearly 35 per cent. In Uttar Pradesh, however, the minimum wage remains around ₹13,000, a disparity that has sharpened resentment among workers employed in Noida’s factories.
Noida and Greater Noida together form one of the country’s major industrial hubs, with clusters in electronics, IT and IT-enabled services, apparel, textiles, automobiles, logistics, and mobile manufacturing. The region employs more than 10 lakh workers across these sectors.
Vipin Malhan, president of the Noida Entrepreneurs Association, said the anger among workers was partly linked to Haryana’s recent wage revision. However, he cautioned that a sharp increase in wages could place additional strain on industries that are still recovering from losses suffered during the Covid pandemic and disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict. He added that industries would comply with government regulations.
Safeguards announced for workers
Following the meeting, the administration announced several measures aimed at improving working conditions and protecting workers’ rights.
Factories have been directed to ensure a compulsory weekly off for all workers. If employees are required to work on that day, they must be paid double wages. Overtime work will also be compensated at twice the standard rate.
Authorities also directed that salaries must be credited by the 10th of every month and that annual bonuses should be paid before November 30. Workers will also receive medical coverage and improved workplace safety protections.
To address complaints related to harassment, officials said a committee headed by a woman will be established, while a formal grievance redressal system will allow workers to report workplace issues.
To strengthen complaint handling, the administration has also set up a control room with four helpline numbers: 0120-2978231, 0120-2978232, 0120-2978862, and 0120-2978702, through which workers can register complaints.
At the time of reporting, the authorities said continued dialogue between workers, industries, and officials would remain essential to maintaining industrial peace in Noida’s key manufacturing and employment hub.