UP Govt To Set Up Wage Board, Announces Interim Minimum Wage Hike After Noida Protests

Noida: Following violent protests by workers in Noida factories, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has taken a significant decision in the interest of workers and employees. After 2014, a new wage board is going to be formed in the state. The government has announced that the new wage board will be formed by next month.

What did government say about wages?

Following the recent protests in Noida, the government has announced an interim increase in the minimum wage, effective April 1, 2026. Additionally, a new wage board will be formed in May 2026 to re-determine the long-pending basic minimum wage rates.

This decision was made on the recommendation of a high-level committee formed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. 

What did the officials say?

Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar said that the government's primary goal is to promote industrial development while protecting the interests of workers. 

He noted that there has been no labour unrest in the state in the past nine years and added that the Noida protests were instigated by certain elements.

What is new interim wage rates?

In the Noida and Ghaziabad region, the salary increase is approximately 21 per cent. Under this, the salary of an unskilled labourer has been increased from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690 per month. Semi-skilled labourers have received an increase from Rs 12,445 to Rs 15,059, and skilled laborers have received an increase from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,868. 

Similarly, in other municipal corporation/municipal areas, unskilled labourers will receive Rs 13,006, semi-skilled labourers Rs 14,306, and skilled labourers Rs 16,025. 

In the remaining districts, unskilled labourers will receive Rs 12,356, semi-skilled labourers Rs 13,591, and skilled laborers Rs 15,224. These new rates include dearness allowance (DA). 

The last basic wage was fixed in 2014, after which only the dearness allowance was increased every six months.

Will wage board form after 12 years?

The wage board is being formed after a gap of 12 years. Normally, it should be formed every five years. The new board will determine the base rates based on the floor wages issued by the central government. This will separate the base wage and dearness allowance, which previously existed together. The government has clarified that rumours circulating on social media about a minimum wage of Rs 20,000 per month are completely false. Final rates will be determined based on the Wage Board's recommendations.

Was government in action after the unrest?

The government took this swift action following protests by thousands of workers in Noida Phase 2. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to employers to pay wages on time, provide adequate overtime compensation, ensure weekly leave, bonuses, and social security, and to pay special attention to the safety of women workers.