UP govt hikes minimum wages by 21% after Noida unrest; protests spread to housing society workers

In response to the industrial paralysis that gripped the National Capital Region (NCR) over the last 48 hours, the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced a 21 per cent hike in minimum wages across all labour categories.

The decision, aimed at quelling the "Noida Unrest," comes as protests began spilling over from factory floors into the gated communities of the city’s high-rise residential sectors.

The state’s Department of Labour issued the notification following an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The move is seen as a direct concession to the thousands of workers who blocked major arterial roads in Noida, demanding relief from the soaring cost of living in the 2026 fiscal year.

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A 'historic' correction

The wage hike, effective immediately, will apply to unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers. Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar stated that the adjustment was necessary to maintain industrial peace in the state’s flagship economic zone.

"The government is committed to the welfare of the 'Shramveers' (labour heroes) who build our economy," Rajbhar said during a press briefing in Lucknow.

"A 21% increase is a historic step to ensure that the growth of Uttar Pradesh is inclusive and that our workforce is protected against inflationary pressures," he added.

To put things in perspective, unskilled workers will now receive Rs 13,690, up from Rs 11,313; semi-skilled workers Rs 15,059, up from Rs 12,445; and skilled workers Rs 16,868, up from Rs 13,940.

Protests spread to the high-rises

While the factory workers began dispersing following the announcement, a new front opened on Tuesday afternoon. Hundreds of private security guards, domestic help, and maintenance staff from several "Supertech" and "Jaypee" housing societies staged sit-ins at society gates.

The residential workers are demanding that the 21% hike be strictly enforced for private domestic staff and security agencies, who often operate outside formal industrial oversight.

The sudden hike has sent shockwaves through the Noida Entrepreneurs Association (NEA), which warned that a 21% jump in the wage bill could lead to "operational downsizing" for MSMEs. Simultaneously, RWA federations expressed concern that the "spillover" protests could lead to a sharp spike in monthly maintenance charges for residents.

District officials remain on high alert, with Section 144 still in place across sensitive zones in Sector 62 and 18 to prevent further gatherings.