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Uttar Pradesh approves new three tier minimum wages from April 1 after Noida labour unrest, with higher rates for Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad.
In Noida and Ghaziabad, the rise in minimum wages has reportedly failed to keep pace with increasing prices, effectively reducing real income levels. (PTI)
Days after violent protests by workers in Noida, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved revised minimum wage rates across the state. Led by Yogi Adityanath, the decision received the Governor’s assent and will soon be formally notified. The move follows the recent labour protest in Noida, which brought attention to gaps in existing wage structures and prompted intervention by the state.
Officials said the revised framework is meant to respond to workers’ concerns while avoiding a sudden financial burden on industries.
Three-tier wage system introduced
The new system, which comes into effect from April 1, introduces a three-tier structure based on cost of living and levels of urbanisation. It also includes Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) along with the basic wage, allowing salaries to be adjusted according to inflation.
A government official said the revision follows recommendations made by a high-level committee and is being introduced as an interim relief measure. The aim, the official added, is to maintain a balance between labour welfare and economic sustainability.
Top category districts
Under the revised system, districts have been grouped into three categories. Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad fall under the top bracket due to their higher cost of living.
In these districts, minimum monthly wages have been set at Rs 13,690 for unskilled workers, Rs 15,059 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 16,868 for skilled workers.
Second and third categories
Districts with municipal corporations have been placed in the second category. Here, minimum wages are fixed at Rs 13,006 for unskilled workers, Rs 14,306 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 16,025 for skilled workers.
All remaining districts come under the third category. In these areas, wages have been set at Rs 12,356 for unskilled workers, Rs 13,590 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 15,224 for skilled workers.
Officials said the classification reflects regional economic differences and is intended to bring greater uniformity in wage determination. The structure, they noted, attempts to balance the demands of workers with the financial realities faced by employers.
The move comes directly after the Noida labour unrest, which highlighted concerns over pay disparities and working conditions. The government’s intervention is seen as a response to those issues.
The government has indicated that wage rates will be reviewed from time to time. Future revisions may depend on inflation trends and feedback from stakeholders.
Officials said this suggests that further changes could be introduced as economic conditions evolve, keeping both worker welfare and industry requirements in mind.
April 18, 2026, 10:32 IST
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