The UP government has announced an interim increase in minimum wages for workers, effective from April 1, on the recommendation of a high level committee constituted following violent protests in Noida demanding better remuneration and working conditions.
The revised minimum wage rates, which have gone up from a minimum of 9.21 per cent to maximum of about 21 per cent, will be implemented across three different categories -- Gautam Buddh Nagar or Noida-Ghaziabad, for districts with municipal corporations, and remaining districts of UP.
For Gautam Buddh Nagar or Noida-Ghaziabad districts which lead the regions with maximum raise, unskilled workers’ wages have seen an increase from ₹11,313 to ₹13,690. Similarly, semi-skilled workers in these two districts will get wage hike from ₹12,445 to ₹15,059 and for skilled workers from ₹13,940 to ₹16,025, per the statement of the government.
According to panel recommendations, minimum wages have been revised by close to 15 per cent for unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers. It saw an uptick to ₹13,006 from ₹11,313 (14.97 per cent) for unskilled workers, ₹14,306 from ₹12,445 (14.95 per cent) for semi-skilled, and ₹16,025 from ₹13,940 (14.96 per cent) for skilled.
In other districts, the interim hike is the least at about 9.21 per cent. Now unskilled workers will pocket ₹12,356 in place of ₹11,313, semi-skilled ₹13,591 instead of ₹12,445, and skilled ₹15,224 instead of ₹13,940.
Announcing a series of worker welfare measures to quell the unrest which comes ahead of the UP elections due in 2027, District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar Medha Roopam said on Tuesday urged labourers to maintain peace as “violence is not the answer.”
“I thank the Chief Minister and the high-powered committee for accepting the workers’ primary demand of wage increase. Furthermore, other directives have been issued, including ensuring that workers’ wages are credited to their accounts before the 10th of every month,” she said.
The welfare package also includes additional benefits to safeguard workers’ rights. “Bonuses will also be paid before November of each year. Double pay will be paid for overtime work. Double pay will also be paid for working on weekly holidays. Sexual harassment committees will be formed everywhere. Women will chair these committees. Complaint boxes will also be available,” she told reporters.
Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner Deepak Kumar had earlier stated that workers demanded wage hikes due to inflation and alleged that the violence was carried out by “outsiders.”
Sharing details of the consultations of the high level committee, Shanmuga Sundaram MK, Principal Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, said the government engaged with all stakeholders for a balanced recommendation.
Over 350 people were arrested during the workers’ protests, with Gautam Buddha Nagar Police alleging that several individuals were “misusing” social media platforms to spread rumours and misinformation.
Published on April 14, 2026