Noida Protest News Live Updates: Over 350 people arrested for spreading rumours, misusing social media; Noida DM announces wage hike measures, appeals for peace

A sweeping wage revision by the Uttar Pradesh government has come in response to one of the largest industrial worker protests witnessed in Noida in recent years. Triggered by dissatisfaction over low wages and poor working conditions, thousands of workers took to the streets, paralysing key parts of the city and exposing deep-rooted issues within the industrial workforce.

The protests escalated rapidly, spreading across dozens of industrial hubs and turning violent in pockets. Protesters blocked arterial routes, damaged property, and clashed with police, highlighting the intensity of frustration among workers. Daily life was severely affected, with traffic gridlock, halted public movement, and disruptions to businesses and offices across Noida and adjoining areas.

At the heart of the agitation was a growing wage gap between workers in Noida and those in Gurgaon, where recent policy changes had significantly improved earnings. Workers in Noida argued that despite long hours and rising living costs, their wages had remained stagnant, fuelling resentment that had been building over days before erupting.

The state government responded by announcing revised minimum wages across categories and setting up a high-powered committee to address broader concerns. Alongside wage hikes, assurances were given on issues such as overtime pay, weekly offs, bonuses, and workplace facilities.

Authorities have also pointed to the role of misinformation and external elements in amplifying the unrest, with investigations underway into social media activity and possible organised interference. Security has been tightened across industrial areas, and police continue to monitor the situation closely.

While normalcy is gradually returning, the episode has underscored the urgent need for sustained dialogue between workers, industry, and the government to prevent future flashpoints and ensure equitable growth. Stay with TOI for more updates:

13:01 (IST) Apr 13

Noida Traffic Advisory Today: Roads blocked at Chilla Border, Sector 62, motorists stranded

Protests by industrial workers demanding a wage hike intensified on Monday, leading to major traffic disruptions across several parts of the city. The situation was particularly severe at Chilla border, Sector 62, where workers blocked the road during morning peak hours, causing long traffic snarls on the first working day of the week. According to officials, the protest initially began in Sector 62 but quickly spread to multiple industrial and high-traffic zones, significantly affecting vehicular movement.

12:38 (IST) Apr 13

Noida salary hike protest turns violent: Vehicles torched, properties vandalised, stones pelted

A protest by workers over wage demands turned violent in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida on Monday, with vehicles vandalised, stones hurled and at least one car set on fire in the Hosiery Complex area of Phase 2. A large number of employees had gathered at the site demanding a salary hike when the situation escalated during an altercation, prompting chaos and damage to public and private property.

12:37 (IST) Apr 13

Noida Protest News: Administration in talks with workers, appeals for calm

The unrest comes amid ongoing discussions between labour officials and the state administration over key worker welfare issues such as overtime pay, bonuses, weekly offs and workplace safety.

A day before the violence, Noida District Magistrate Medha Roopam held a meeting with senior labour officials to address these concerns.

According to an official statement, the focus was on protecting workers’ interests and ensuring better working conditions.

The administration had also appealed to workers to remain calm, avoid rumours and cooperate in maintaining law and order, while sharing control room numbers for assistance.

12:36 (IST) Apr 13

Noida Worker Protest: Violence erupts during wage protest in Noida

A protest by workers demanding a salary hike turned violent in Noida’s Phase 2 industrial area on Monday, leading to widespread disruption and damage. A large number of employees had gathered in the Hosiery Complex area to press for their demands when an altercation escalated into chaos. Protesters allegedly resorted to stone pelting, vandalised vehicles and set at least one car on fire. The violence caused damage to both public and private property, heightening tension across the industrial belt. Police quickly intervened, deploying heavy force to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation.

12:34 (IST) Apr 13

Noida Worker Protest: Welfare measures announced to ease worker tensions

The Noida administration rolled out a comprehensive set of safeguards on Sunday following two days of protests by factory workers over low minimum wages. Key measures include a compulsory weekly off for all workers and double pay for overtime as well as work on weekly holidays. Authorities also mandated that salaries must be disbursed by the 10th of every month, ensuring timely payments. Additionally, workers are to receive their annual bonus before November 30. The administration has emphasised workplace safety, medical cover and the creation of a formal grievance redressal system to address complaints, including harassment. A committee headed by a woman will be constituted to specifically deal with such issues. Officials have also directed factories to treat workers with dignity and ensure safe working conditions. These measures aim to address long-standing demands and reduce friction between workers and management. However, the continued protests suggest that while the announcements are significant, they may not be sufficient to immediately calm worker unrest, especially given deeper structural issues related to wages and benefits.

12:33 (IST) Apr 13

Noida Protest News: High-level meeting and policy push by administration

The decisions were finalised during a joint meeting held at the Noida Authority office in Sector 6, attended by key officials including District Magistrate Medha Rupam, Authority CEO Krishna Karunesh and Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh. Senior labour department officials, such as Principal Secretary MKS Sundaram and Labour Commissioner Markandey Shahi, participated virtually. Rupam stated that the administration had been in continuous dialogue with industrial units over the past few days and remains committed to protecting workers’ interests. She stressed that factories must ensure weekly offs and pay double wages if workers are required to work on those days, along with double compensation for overtime. Sundaram added that the Uttar Pradesh government is in the process of revising labour laws to strengthen provisions related to minimum wages, timely payments, equal pay for equal work and social security benefits like EPF and ESI. To improve accessibility, the administration has also set up a control room with multiple helpline numbers for workers to report grievances and seek assistance.
Wage Disparity Driving Protests Across Industrial Belt

Daily Puzzles

Connect

The Perfect Trace

Play Now

Loop The Loop

Puzzle Circuit

Play Now

Daily Crossword

Special puzzle

Play Now

Classic Matrix

Number Play

Play Now

Mini Crossword

Lite Challenge

Play Now

The Uttar Pradesh government has raised minimum wages across all worker categories following large-scale unrest in Noida, with revised rates implemented retrospectively from April 1. The decision, approved by a high-powered committee and cleared by the chief minister, comes after protests by thousands of industrial workers demanding better wages and working conditions.

In Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad, unskilled workers will now earn Rs 13,690 per month, up from Rs 11,313, while semi-skilled and skilled workers will receive Rs 15,059 and Rs 16,868 respectively. Revised rates have also been announced for other municipal and non-municipal areas. The government said the move followed consultations with employers and labour organisations to ensure a balanced outcome.

The wage revision comes in the backdrop of massive protests on Monday that brought Noida to a standstill. An estimated 40,000–45,000 workers gathered across more than 80 locations, blocking key roads including the Noida Expressway, NH-9, and the Chilla border, leading to severe traffic disruptions.

Violence broke out in several areas, particularly in industrial clusters such as Sector 62 and Phase-2. Incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and vandalism were reported, with several vehicles set ablaze and factories damaged. At least five police personnel were injured.

Authorities alleged the involvement of “outsiders” and possible attempts to incite unrest through misinformation and coordinated efforts. The government also flagged potential links to larger conspiracies, including Pakistan-backed destabilisation and possible attempts to revive Naxalism, though investigations are ongoing.

The protests were largely driven by wage disparities between Noida workers and their counterparts in Gurgaon, where recent hikes had significantly increased salaries. Workers also raised concerns over long working hours, lack of weekly offs, and inadequate benefits.

To address the crisis, the government has formed a committee to engage with workers and industry representatives. Several demands, including better working conditions and timely payments, have already been accepted. Authorities said the situation is now under control, with heavy deployment continuing in sensitive areas.

Trending