Lucknow/Noida, April 2026: The Uttar Pradesh Government has announced a hike in minimum wages across worker categories, following large-scale protests by factory workers in Noida’s industrial belt demanding better pay and working conditions.
Officials confirmed that the revised interim wage rates will be applicable retrospectively from April 1, 2026, after a high-level committee under the Labour Department held discussions with industry representatives and worker groups.
Revised Minimum Wages Across Regions
Under the new wage structure, salaries have been revised based on skill level and region:
Gautam Buddh Nagar & Ghaziabad:
- Unskilled: ₹13,690/month
- Semi-skilled: ₹15,059/month
- Skilled: ₹16,868/month
Other Municipal Corporation Areas:
- Unskilled: ₹13,006
- Semi-skilled: ₹14,306
- Skilled: ₹16,025
Remaining Districts:
- Unskilled: ₹12,356
- Semi-skilled: ₹13,591
- Skilled: ₹15,224
The government clarified that viral claims of a ₹20,000 minimum wage are misleading and not based on official notifications.
Move Aimed at Balancing Welfare and Industry Stability
The wage revision aligns with provisions under new labour codes and aims to strike a balance between:
- Worker welfare amid rising living costs
- Industrial sustainability under global economic pressures
Officials noted that industries are currently facing challenges such as rising input costs and fluctuating demand, and consultations are ongoing for a broader wage framework.
Protests Turn Violent in Noida
The wage hike follows days of protests in Noida’s industrial clusters, including Phase-2, Sectors 60, 62, and 84, where workers demanded salaries closer to ₹20,000, citing inflation and wage comparisons with neighbouring states.
The situation escalated on Monday, with:
- Stone-pelting and arson incidents
- Vehicles set on fire and property vandalised
- Major road blockades affecting key routes like DND, Kalindi Kunj, and Noida Link Road
Police used tear gas and mild force to disperse crowds, leading to severe traffic disruptions.
Detentions and Investigation Underway
Authorities have:
- Detained over 300 people, with several sent to judicial custody
- Registered multiple FIRs in connection with the violence
Eight labour activists, including three women, were reportedly detained earlier, with some later released.
State minister Anil Rajbhar termed the violence a “well-planned conspiracy”, adding that agencies are probing possible external links following recent terror-related arrests. Around 350 individuals have been arrested so far.
