Noida protests nearing end? Few factories resume operations as revised wage hikes take effect

Just two days after protests by Noida workers demanding wage hikes turned violent, things seem to be returning to normal, as a few factories seem to be resuming operations after the protests, and the remainder of the protests are now reportedly scattered. 

Apart from certain factories resuming operations in Noida Phase-2, several other industrial areas within the National Capital Region (NCR) also saw workers reporting to work on Wednesday, an Indian Express report said.

Only a small number of scattered protests have taken place over the past few days—including a protest at the Shiv Nadar University in Dadri—which also reflects that things are gradually going back to normal.

These small protests were soon contained by the police, and did not create major havoc, unlike the protests at the beginning of the week.

This comes after the protests earlier this week led to the arrest of more than 300 people—and a number of FIRs registered—a number of conspiracy theories, and in general, a complete breakdown in public order.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also cracked down on the members of about 17 WhatsApp groups that allegedly played a role in turning the largely peaceful protests violent. 

Multiple reports also cited the UP Police, pointing out that 45 of the 66 people arrested in connection with the unrest were not even workers, and that there was allegedly a bigger conspiracy behind the scenes intended to create unrest in the name of a workers' protest.

Several vehicles—including police SUVs—were burnt to cinders, public property was vandalised, and stone-pelting was reported from across factory hubs in the district.

This eventually led to the UP government to revise the interim monthly wages across Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad.

For unskilled workers, minimum wages increased from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690; for semi-skilled workers, wages rose from Rs 12,445 to Rs 15,059; and skilled workers saw this figure increase from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,868.

The aftermath of the violent protests also saw Noida officials visit a few industrial units in the city—particularly Richaco Exports Private Limited in Sector-84, Noida, and Anmol Industries Private Limited in Udyog Vihar, Greater Noida—and discuss the situation with some workers there.

“The increased salary should reach the workers’ accounts before the 10th of every month, and a salary slip will be provided, and a complaint box will be kept in the unit premises,” District Magistrate Medha Roopam told workers during the visits, as per the report.

While a few factories still have posters saying 'CLOSED' on them, copies of the revised wage rates have now been stuck here, urging workers to return to work and not to pay attention to "misinformation".