Uttar Pradesh Revises Minimum Wages Following Industrial Unrest in Noida: Effective April 2026

On 17April 2026, the Government of Uttar Pradesh notified the revised Minimum Wages for workers employed in scheduled employments across the state.

Background:

In Noida and Greater Noida, widespread labour unrest emerged due to demands for higher minimum wages amid rising living costs, resulting in protests, road blockades, and disruption of industrial supply chains.

The agitation was driven by workers’ demands for wage enhancement on the pattern of minimum wages prevailing in the State of Haryana.

Discussions held during this period highlighted growing dissatisfaction among workers due to inflationary pressures, increased house rents, and the inability of existing wages to ensure a dignified livelihood, particularly in major industrial regions.

In response, the UP Government intervened to revise minimum wages as an interim measure to restore industrial peace and address workers’ livelihood concerns.

Key Highlights:

1. The decision to revise minimum wages was taken after the Additional Labour Commissioner, Noida, reported the outcome of discussions between representatives of employers and workers.

2. To address the situation and maintain industrial peace, the State Government constituted a High-Level Committee under the chairmanship of the Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh.

3. The Committee visited Gautam Buddha Nagar district on 13 April 2026 and held consultations with workers, occupiers or representatives of industrial establishments, and contractors.

4. During these discussions, workers emphasised that sharp increases in essential expenses, particularly housing costs, had made survival difficult under the existing wage structure. Employers, however, cited mounting financial pressures due to global tariff hikes, supply-chain disruptions, and adverse impacts of international geopolitical developments, especially in West Asia.

5. A review conducted by the Department of Labour and Employment revealed that minimum wage revisions, legally due in 2019 and 2024 under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, had not been implemented despite significant increases in the Consumer Price Index. Based on CPI data up to December 2025, a fresh revision was found due with effect from 1 April 2026.

6. In line with the Code on Wages, 2019, the Labour Department adopted a mutually agreed three-tier district classification to fix differential minimum wages based on regional cost-of-living variations in Uttar Pradesh.

7. With effect from 1 April 2026, the revised Minimum Wage rates (Basic + Variable Dearness Allowance) under the three-tier district classification are:

   ⮚ Category I: Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad

   • Unskilled: ₹13,690

   • Semi-Skilled: ₹15,059

   • Skilled: ₹16,868

   ⮚ Category II: Districts with Nagar Nigam

   • Unskilled: ₹13,006

   • Semi-Skilled: ₹14,306

   • Skilled: ₹16,025

   ⮚ Category III: Other Districts

   • Unskilled: ₹12,356

   • Semi-Skilled: ₹13,590

   • Skilled: ₹15,224

8. The order, issued under Section 3(b) of the United Provinces Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, supersedes the wage order dated 25 March 2026, except for brick kiln employment on a piece-rate basis, and is directed to be published in the Official Gazette for enforcement.

The revised wage structure is expected to provide immediate relief to workers, restore industrial harmony in regions such as Noida and Ghaziabad, and ensure continuity of employment while balancing labour and industry interests.

Also Read:

Govt. Revises Variable Dearness Allowance Rates, Effective 1 April 2026

A Complete Guide to Four Labour Codes: Key Reforms, Compliance Checklists & Impact on India’s Workforce

[Uttar Pradesh Minimum Wages Notification, issued on 17-4-2026]