New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced an interim hike in minimum wages across worker categories following protests held in Noida, in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district.
The move follows increasing demands among workers for wage adjustments in line with the increasing cost of living.
The revision, which applies to unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled labourers, seeks to provide interim relief until a thorough study of pay structures is conducted. The decision was made with the intention of addressing ground realities and ensuring industrial peace in crucial employment centres such as Noida and Greater Noida.
The protests, spearheaded by workers in different industrial establishments in Noida exposed frustrations over low wages and inflationary pressures. Demonstrations intensified, forcing the government to intervene and conduct talks with industrial stakeholders and labour representatives.
Violence erupted in several industrial zones of Noida, following strikes carried out by the factory workers for an increase in wages.
Vehicles, including police SUVs, were torched in the area, while vandalism was reported from Phase-2 and Sector 60 of Noida. Several industries in Sectors 58, 59, 60, and 64 remained closed down owing to unrest in the region.
Violence was not limited to those sectors alone; other sectors such as Sector 63 also witnessed violent activities, where protesters burned cars and damaged property at a service station.
The State government announced that it had consulted with all concerned parties and has decided to increase the minimum wage rate temporarily.
The government intends to constitute a Wage Board within the next month to fix minimum wages.
Under the hike, unskilled workers’ pay raised to Rs 13,690 per month, semi-skilled to Rs 15,059, skilled to Rs 16,868 in Noida-Ghaziabad region.
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.
Labour experts emphasised that changes in minimum wages must come at intervals to ensure fair payment for workers and safeguard them from any economic risks.
The government clarified that the move is provisional, with the comprehensive policy likely to be announced later on, post consultation with concerned stakeholders. The final decision would be influenced by inflation rates, cost of living, and industry needs.
Industrial bodies have adopted a cautious stance, stressing that any solution must balance worker welfare with corporate viability.
Some stakeholders have called for broader consultation to ensure that wage increases do not adversely affect small and medium enterprises.
The event is indicative of the increasing prominence of labour problems in the Indian industry landscape, particularly in fast-growing cities.
The interim wage hike is viewed as a temporary measure that will pave the way for further policy-making in the near future.
(DD News)
