Noida workers' protest turns violent in Sector 80, clash with police over low wages
Noida protest update: A protest by workers in Noida’s Sector 80 turned tense on Tuesday as clashes broke out between demonstrators and the police. The workers, who were protesting over low wages, allegedly resorted to stone-pelting, prompting the police to step in and disperse the crowd. Officers chased away the protesters and eventually brought the situation under control.
Earlier, the demonstration had remained peaceful. Police officials were trying to explain the proposed wage hike to the workers, who have been demanding a minimum monthly salary of Rs 20,000. Authorities also claimed that some anti-social elements tried to exploit the situation and trigger unrest.
In the morning, employees of the Ahuja factory had gathered outside the unit to raise concerns about pay-related issues. Many workers said they were unhappy with the recent wage revision and insisted that government-approved wage rates should be clearly displayed at factory entrances.
They also pointed out discrepancies in allowances, alleging that both skilled and unskilled workers were receiving nearly the same benefits. Some workers claimed that companies were terminating employees within nine months and rehiring them later to avoid increasing allowances.
There were also complaints about declining wages over time. According to workers, they initially earned Rs 90 per hour during apprenticeship, but their pay dropped to Rs 50 per hour after a year. At the same time, many fear that strict implementation of government wage rules could lead to job cuts.
The protests have now entered their second day. On Monday, around 45,000 workers from different industries across nearly 80 locations in the Noida commissionerate had participated. Incidents of violence were reported from a few areas, particularly Sector 63 and near the Motherson company premises.
- With inputs from agencies
