A high-level committee formed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has raised interim minimum wages by around 21 percent for workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad after large-scale protests in Noida Phase 2 on Monday. Despite the announcement, workers continued their sit-in protest on Tuesday morning. According to the Noida District Magistrate’s office, monthly wages for unskilled workers in these districts have been increased from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690, for semi-skilled workers from Rs 12,445 to Rs 15,059, and for skilled workers from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,868. These revised interim rates are effective from April 1.

In districts with municipal corporations, wages have been set at Rs 13,006 for unskilled workers, Rs 14,306 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 16,025 for skilled workers. In other districts, the revised figures are Rs 12,356, Rs 13,591, and Rs 15,224, respectively. However, workers from the Hosiery Complex in Noida Phase 2 have continued their protest, demanding higher wages. Police have been deployed at the site after the demonstrations turned violent on Monday.

The Noida District Magistrate dismissed claims circulating on social media that the minimum wage in Uttar Pradesh had been fixed at Rs 20,000 per month, calling them false and misleading. An official statement also noted that the central government is working toward introducing a national minimum “floor wage” under the new Labour Codes to establish a uniform baseline across states. The state government is consulting with employers and labour unions, carefully reviewing feedback to reach a balanced decision.

The statement added that industries are currently facing global economic pressures, including rising raw material costs and declining exports. While workers’ concerns are valid and important, a balanced approach is needed to address the interests of both labour and industry. Provisions under the new Wage Code aim to safeguard workers’ rights. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged the public to rely only on official information. He also directed employers to ensure timely wage payments, overtime compensation, weekly holidays, bonuses, social security benefits, and a safe and respectful work environment, especially for women workers.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.