Noida Protest highlights: UP government forms committee to resolve issues

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Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Uttar Pradesh is progressing steadily, but some people are conspiring against this growth." He appealed to the state's workers to remain cautious of those attempting to spread industrial unrest and not to allow their efforts to succeed under any circumstances.

The CM assured that, along with industrial development, social security will also be ensured, thereby maintaining an environment of peace, stability, and prosperity in the state.

While inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of 423 development projects worth ₹951 crore in Muzaffarnagar on Monday, the Chief Minister said, "Today the double engine government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi is presenting a strong model of security, good governance and service in Uttar Pradesh. However, when the state is moving towards development and peace, some people are trying to create unrest through conspiracies."

The Chief Minister appealed to employees and workers across all industrial units to remember how the government stood by them during the COVID period. During that difficult phase, the government ensured transportation, quarantine and food arrangements for workers and safely brought them home.

He urged them to remain cautious of those trying to create industrial unrest.

Chief Minister added that he also appeals to industries in this regard to establish direct communication with workers and employees. He said, "Our government stands with workers. The government will provide security to entrepreneurs and protection to every worker, and will also ensure their proper remuneration."

Workers protesting in Noida’s Sector 63 allegedly vandalised the infrastructure of an IT company during a violent incident, News18 reported, citing officials. The situation reportedly escalated quickly, leading to damage at the premises.

Employees and security personnel were also subjected to abusive behaviour during the attack. Female employees were present at the site at the time and narrowly escaped the mob. CCTV footage of the alleged vandalism has also surfaced.

An official order issued by the state government stated that the panel will work towards removing industrial discord in Gautam Buddh Nagar and ensure the smooth functioning of industrial activities through consultations and coordination.

"The committee will submit its recommendations on priority," the order said.

The officials also said that a thorough probe will be conducted into any attempts by "vested interests" or political motives to disturb the atmosphere.

"Anarchy will not be allowed in Uttar Pradesh, and appropriate solutions to the problems will be worked out," they added.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday hit out at the BJP government over the violent protest by employees of a company in Noida Phase 2, alleging that "injustice has reached its peak" in the state.

Reacting to the protest incidents, Yadav told reporters, "Injustice has reached its peak under the BJP government. All kinds of injustice are happening. Injustice is happening economically. Injustice is being inflicted by increasing inflation. Injustice is being done by rising unemployment. What we saw today in Noida--workers have been demanding their rights on a large scale."

He further held the administration and the state government responsible for the situation.

"The entire responsibility lies with the administration and the government," he said.

Raising concerns over wage disparities, the Samajwadi Party chief added, "When workers' salaries were increased in other states, why hasn't the government provided relief in Uttar Pradesh?"

The Uttar Pradesh Police, in a post on X, said that workers allegedly instigated from other states staged protests at multiple locations in Noida. The police stated that only minimum force was used to control a violent situation at one site and clarified that no firing took place anywhere.

“Legal action is being taken against those spreading false and misleading information and inciting individuals. Do not spread rumors or misleading information,” the police noted.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath has directed the state labour department to form a committee to resolve the ongoing stir.

According to an India Today report, the Industrial Development Commissioner will serve as the committee's chairman, while the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Principal Secretary for Labour and Employment will serve as members.

The committee will also include five representatives from labour unions and three representatives from entrepreneurs' associations.

Noida Police have registered an FIR against Congress Social Media Coordinators Mir Ilyas and Anushi Tiwari for claiming on their X account that 14 people had died and 32 were injured, India Today reported.

Auto components maker Motherson Sumi Wiring India Ltd on Monday said its operations remain compliant with all applicable laws, with no material impact, amid demonstrations by workers across multiple industries at several locations in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

"This is a broader labour issue affecting multiple industries in Noida and some other cities, driven by misinformation being spread about wage revisions," Motherson Sumi Wiring India Ltd (MSWIL) said in a regulatory filing.

The company further said, "Our operations remain compliant with all applicable laws with no material impact on the company."

Asserting that employee safety remains its top priority, MSWIL said, "The authorities are working closely with the industry to bring things back to normal as quickly as possible."

30-year-old Vinay Mahoti, who hails from Bihar and works at a hosiery company in Noida, said he initially protested inside his manufacturing unit but later joined workers from other companies who took to the streets.

"Duty hours should be fixed, overtime hours should be paid, and companies...should adhere to the guidelines laid by the federal government," he said, listing his demands.

Samvardhana Motherson, the factory at the centre of the Noida protest, has filed a response with the exchanges.

"This is a broader labour issue affecting multiple industries in Noida and some other cities, driven by misinformation being spread about wage revisions," said the company in a statement filed with the exchanges.

Thousands of commuters faced a harrowing time on Monday as violent protests by factory workers in Noida brought traffic to a standstill at the Delhi-Noida border.

The protests led to congestion on key arterial roads connecting Delhi and Noida, including National Highway 9, leaving commuters stranded during the peak rush hour. Queues of vehicles stretched for several kilometres.

Security was tightened along Delhi's key entry points.

According to officials, a large number of workers from various industrial units gathered in the morning to press their long-pending demand for salary revision and raised slogans during the demonstration.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai criticised the state government over its handling of the situation regarding the Noida workers' protest, saying visuals from outside the Motherson Group facility were “disturbing”.

In a post on X, Rai said rising inflation and alleged wage exploitation were pushing workers to the streets. “Advertisements cannot fill empty stomachs, and tear gas shells cannot answer hunger,” he said, urging Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to address workers’ demands instead of resorting to force.

Speaking at a rally, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that the ongoing labour protest in Noida is a conspiracy to disrupt the state's growth and development.

Uttar Pradesh Police on Monday said it is registering FIRs against two social media handles for allegedly spreading rumours in connection with the recent factory workers' protest in Noida.

In a statement, police said demonstrations were held at multiple locations in Noida, allegedly instigated by elements from outside the state, but only one location witnessed violence, which was brought under control using minimum force.

They clarified that no firing occurred during the incident and urged the public not to spread misinformation.

"Action is being taken against those spreading false and misleading information and attempting to incite people," the police statement said.

Several women workers spoke to the news channel Hindi Khabar and said that their protest is for better wages.

“We should be earning ₹20,000 for 8 hours of work. Instead, some company gives an increment of ₹280, or some other gives ₹300 as raise,” one woman told the news channel. “In the meantime, our house rent increases by ₹500.”

Another woman named Manju Devi said that she works 12 hours a day for ₹13,000 per month.

“Our salary is very low. I earn ₹13,000 [a month]. And I work 12 hours a day,” she said. “How can I raise four children on this salary? How can I feed and educate them?” she questioned.

A third woman also said she was frustrated with stagnating wages. “Our problem is that gas prices are increasing but our salaries are not increasing,” she said.

Around 100 agitators have been arrested in connection with the violence during the protest, News 18 reported, citing sources.

Following incidents of violence and arson by factory workers in Noida, a large police deployment has been made across the affected areas in the city.

Eight companies of PAC and RAF have been stationed, with additional forces from nearby districts called in to strengthen security.

Joint CP (Law and Order) and ADM officials visited the incident and arson sites to assess the situation on the ground.

Quick Response Teams (QRT) have been deployed at Motherson Group and other sensitive locations, and night patrols have also been intensified to maintain law and order.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday blamed the BJP government's "one-sided policies" for the violent protests by workers in Noida, alleging the regime favours capitalists while neglecting salaried employees and labourers.

Reacting to the violence through a post on X, Yadav said the agitation over wage hike had turned aggressive due to policies that "nurture capitalists but exploit workers".

He alleged that while funds continue to flow towards "donor capitalists", workers are deprived of fair wages.

"In times of rising inflation, it is extremely difficult for a family to survive on low wages. Only someone running a household can understand this," he said, adding that salaried employees no longer want the BJP.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also shared a video clip of incidents of arson and vandalism during the protests.

Officials in Noida said that adequate police deployment has been made across industrial zones under the Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissionerate amid the ongoing unrest.

Senior police and administrative officials are present on the ground to monitor the situation, while additional forces have been rushed to affected areas to restore order.

“The situation is under control and is being continuously monitored. Efforts are being made to counsel workers and maintain peace, with minimum force being used wherever necessary,” police said in a statement.

Officials in Noida have reached the city's Phase 2 to hold talks with workers amid the ongoing protest for better pay.

The officials involved in talks include the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Additional DCP and other administrative authorities,

The move came after violence erupted in Noida earlier on Monday, with protesters vandalising several vehicles and setting parts of some companies on fire during the demonstrations.

Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna on Monday said police are identifying elements who allegedly instigated violence during workers' protests in Noida and warned that strict action will be taken against them.

In a brief update, the DGP said "provocative elements" and "external elements" involved in the unrest are being traced.

"Firm legal action will follow once their identities are established," Krishna said.