Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Constitutes High-Powered Committee to Address Noida Labour Unrest
In response to escalating labour unrest in Noida, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has established a high-powered committee to investigate and resolve the ongoing crisis. The move comes after fresh violence erupted across multiple sectors on Monday, with factory workers demanding wage hikes turning protests destructive.
Committee Composition and Mandate
The newly formed committee will be chaired by the Industrial and Infrastructure Development Commissioner. It includes senior officials from the MSME and Labour Departments, with the Labour Commissioner serving as member secretary. Representatives from labour unions and industry bodies have also been included to ensure balanced stakeholder participation.
Industries Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi stated that the panel has been tasked with examining the unrest on priority, establishing dialogue between workers and employers, and submitting its report at the earliest. "The best interest of all stakeholders will be ensured in an amicable solution," he affirmed, adding that wage revision would be considered if required.
Ground-Level Assessments and Challenges
The committee visited Noida on Monday and conducted ground-level meetings with company owners and workers. A senior administration official revealed that the absence of formal worker unions is complicating the resolution process. "We have to hold meetings individually. We held talks with 2,500 people on Monday and will continue to do so until companies and labourers reach a middle ground," the official explained.
Officials have also warned of a probe into alleged "vested interests" and political motives behind the violence. Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna cautioned about strict action against what he described as "provocative" and "external elements" fueling the unrest.
Violent Protests Despite Administrative Measures
The committee formation follows Monday morning's violent protests where factory workers demanding wage hikes torched vehicles, including police SUVs, and vandalized property in Phase 2 and Sector 60. Stone pelting and vandalism were reported from Sectors 63, 65, and 57. Police used tear gas and mild force to disperse crowds and restore order, with heavy deployment continuing across sensitive zones.
This fresh violence occurred despite a comprehensive package of worker safeguards announced by the Noida district administration on Sunday. At a joint meeting at the Noida Authority office in Sector 6, attended by District Magistrate Medha Rupam, Authority CEO Krishna Karunesh, and Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh, with Principal Secretary MKS Sundaram and Labour Commissioner Markandey Shahi joining virtually, the administration announced:
- Compulsory weekly offs
- Double pay for overtime and holiday work
- Annual bonuses before November 30
- Salary disbursal by the 10th of each month
- Medical cover and workplace safety measures
- A formal grievance redressal system
Workers' Core Demands and Political Reactions
Workers remained firm on their primary demand for a significant wage increase, arguing that existing wages are insufficient to sustain a basic standard of living amid rising inflation. They highlighted stark interstate wage disparities, with one worker noting: "Haryana recently raised its monthly minimum wage from Rs 14,000 to Rs 19,000, a 35% increase, while UP's minimum wage remains around Rs 13,000."
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav blamed the BJP government for the unrest, alleging that "injustice has reached its peak" in the state. "When neighbouring states have revised minimum wages, why did the state government not do so?" he questioned, adding that workers had been demanding their rights for some time. In a separate social media post, Yadav claimed the agitation was "the result of the one-sided policy of the BJP government, which favours capitalists while exploiting ordinary working employees and salaried labourers."
Government Initiatives and Future Directions
Principal Secretary MKS Sundaram revealed that the state is in the process of revising labour laws to strengthen provisions on minimum wages, timely and full payment, equal pay for equal work, overtime compensation, regulated working hours, and social security benefits including EPF and ESI.
Additional Labour Commissioner (GB Nagar) Rakesh Dwivedi confirmed that the government's directives are being communicated to workers on the ground. "Some workers are protesting, and we are talking to them to address their problems," he stated.
Later in the day, the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority convened a meeting with the district administration, police, and industry operators. Additional CEO Saumya Srivastava informed industrial representatives of the administration's fresh directives, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the labour crisis through dialogue and policy adjustments.
