Noida protest: Cars set on fire, stones pelted during salary hike unrest; Watch video

A protest by factory workers demanding higher wages turned violent on Monday in parts of Noida, with incidents of arson, stone-pelting and vandalism reported from the Hosiery Complex in Phase-2 and Sector 60.

According to ANI and Times of India, a large number of workers from multiple industrial units gathered to press for salary revisions. The demonstration, which started peacefully, quickly escalated into clashes with police. Protesters allegedly set a vehicle on fire and damaged several others, while stones were pelted during the altercation.

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Heavy police deployment was immediately made across the industrial zones under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate to bring the situation under control. Officials said the area is now under continuous surveillance and efforts are being made to counsel workers while using minimum force where necessary.

Noida Protest: Wage gap with Haryana at the centre of unrest

The protests highlight deep discontent over pay disparities between Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Haryana. Workers in Noida have been demanding higher minimum wages after Haryana recently increased monthly wages from around ₹14,000 to ₹19,000 — a jump of nearly 35%. In contrast, wages in Uttar Pradesh remain significantly lower at around ₹13,000.

This wage gap has fuelled resentment among workers employed in Noida’s vast industrial belt, especially in labour-intensive sectors like hosiery and garments.

Noida news: Administration’s pre-protest efforts

Just a day before the violence, Noida District Magistrate Medha Roopam held a high-level meeting with the Principal Secretary (Labour) and Labour Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh. The meeting focused on protecting workers’ interests, including double payment for overtime, annual bonuses, weekly holidays, and improved workplace safety.

The District Magistrate had also appealed to workers through a video message on X, urging them to maintain peace, ignore rumours, and cooperate in keeping law and order. She provided control room numbers for workers’ assistance: 120-2978231, 120-2978232, 120-2978862, and 120-2978702.

Despite these assurances, the scale and intensity of Monday’s protests suggest that dissatisfaction runs deeper, with many workers feeling that long-pending demands have not been addressed adequately.

Why Noida Protest is happening?

The Noida violence comes just days after similar protests in Haryana’s Gurugram district. At IMT Manesar, workers went on strike over wage and working condition issues, which also turned violent. Protesters allegedly vandalised property and set a police vehicle on fire, leading to the arrest of 56 people on charges of rioting.

For now, authorities in Noida are focused on restoring normalcy, preventing further escalation, and continuing dialogue with workers to address their concerns.

(With agencies and TOI inputs)