The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced an interim wage hike for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers after massive protests in Noida. The government has also rejected demands for a Rs 20,000 monthly minimum wage.
“Industry is facing global and economic challenges. Prices of raw materials have increased, and exports have declined. The problems and demands raised by workers are relevant and worth considering. In such a situation, it is crucial to adopt a harmonious and balanced approach…,” a statement from the government read. It also stated that it is holding consultations with all stakeholders.
As an interim step, the government has increased minimum wages with effect from April 1, on a retrospective basis. This hike varies by location.
New Minimum Wages In UP
In Noida and Ghaziabad, unskilled workers will get a 21% rise, taking wages from the existing Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690 per month. In municipal areas, it has been increased to Rs 13,006 and in other areas to Rs 12,356. Semi-skilled workers in Noida and Ghaziabad will now earn Rs 15,059 instead of Rs 12,445. Skilled workers' pay has been increased from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,668 per month. The government said this is a temporary measure as a broader wage revision is on the cards.
ALSO READ: UP Hikes Minimum Wages Across Categories After Noida Unrest
How UP Compares With Other States
Before Noida, similar protests were reported in parts of Haryana, Bihar, and cities like Surat in Gujarat.
On April 9, the Haryana government revised minimum wages effective April 1. Under the new system, unskilled workers will now receive Rs 15,220.71 per month. Semi-skilled workers will get Rs 16,780.74 per month, whereas skilled workers will receive Rs 18,500.81 per month, The Economic Times reported.
In October 2024, the Maharashtra government revised minimum wages following protests.
Under the revised system, skilled-A employees' wages were increased to Rs 19,625 per month in Zone I and to Rs 18,975 in Zone II. Skilled-B workers' wages were revised to Rs 18,975 in Zone I and Rs 18,320 in Zone II. Additionally, the revised wages for Skilled-C employees were increased to Rs 18,320 in Zone I and to Rs 17,570 in Zone II. Semi-skilled and unskilled workers like helpers and cleaners also got a wage hike. Typically, zone I is designated as areas within the limits of municipal corporations.
In a notification issued in February, the Kerala government also announced its updated minimum wages across sectors. According to the notification, the monthly minimum wages in sectors such as dairy farming was revised to Rs 20,610 for watchmen, peons, supply persons, milk vendors etc. These wages are applicable for eight hours of work. Similar revisions were announced in other sectors as well.
In 2023, the Gujarat government announced a hike in minimum daily wages for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers after a gap of eight years. The minimum daily wage for Area A (Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation limits) and Area B (other municipal corporations) was set at Rs 452. For other parts of the state, the minimum daily wage was fixed at Rs 441.
In April 2025, the Delhi government revised minimum wages for workers across categories. Unskilled workers were set to receive Rs 18,456 per month, semi-skilled workers Rs 20,371, and skilled workers Rs 22,411 per month. Earlier, the minimum wage in the national capital started at Rs 18,066 per month for unskilled workers.
ALSO READ: Stones Pelted, Vehicles Set On Fire: Viral Videos Capture Workers Protest In Noida Over Wage Hike
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