UP Govt Approves Interim Wage Hike Across 74 Worker Categories

Lucknow, Apr 15 (KNN) The Uttar Pradesh Government has announced an interim increase of up to 21 percent in minimum wages across 74 categories of workers, a day after protests by workers in Noida.

The decision was taken on the recommendation of a high-powered committee constituted by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to address the situation. The revised wages will be retrospectively effective from April 1, 2026, with a final revision expected next month following deliberations by the state wage board.

Aim to Balance Worker and Industry Interests

Industries and Infrastructure Development Commissioner Deepak Kumar, who headed the committee, said the interim hike aims to balance workers’ demands with industrial considerations, reported The Times Of India.

“A final decision will be taken after factoring in both workers’ concerns and industry challenges to ensure an amicable and sustainable outcome,” he said.

District wise hikes

According to Principal Secretary (Labour) MKS Sundaram, the wage increase varies by region and skill level. In Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad, wages have been raised by around 21 percent, with unskilled workers’ wages revised from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690, semi-skilled from Rs 12,445 to Rs 15,059, and skilled workers from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,868.

In other municipal corporation areas, wages have been increased by about 15 percent, with unskilled workers now receiving Rs 13,006, semi-skilled Rs 14,306, and skilled Rs 16,025. 

In the remaining districts, the hike is around 9.2 percent, taking unskilled wages to Rs 12,356, semi-skilled to Rs 13,591, and skilled to Rs 15,224.

Officials said the revised wages include both basic pay and dearness allowance, factoring in inflation and regional economic variations.

Govt Clarifies National Wage Reports

The government clarified that reports suggesting a Rs 20,000 national minimum wage were ‘misleading,’ noting that the process of fixing a national floor wage under new labour codes by the Centre is still underway.

Authorities have also initiated steps to maintain law and order following the protests. A district-level control room has been set up in Gautam Budh Nagar to address worker grievances, while officials said strict action would be taken against elements attempting to disrupt peace.

The committee held consultations with employers, workers and other stakeholders. While worker representatives pressed for wage hikes, weekly holidays, double overtime pay and improved working conditions, employers highlighted global economic pressures impacting industry.

The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring industrial peace, safeguarding workers’ rights and maintaining an investment-friendly environment. It also indicated that welfare measures related to health, pensions and education for workers’ families are under consideration.

(KNN Bureau)