The Uttar Pradesh government has announced an increase in wages for unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled labourers by up to around three thousand rupees. The move results in nearly a 21 per cent hike in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad districts.
The decision was taken by a high-level committee formed on the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, following recent unrest in Noida over wage hike demands. The revised rates have come into effect from the first of this month.
The government has termed reports of a 20-thousand-rupee minimum wage as misleading, saying the interim hike balances workers’ demands with industry concerns.
Meanwhile, based on the recommendations of the wage board to be constituted next month, the process of determining permanent minimum wages will be initiated. The state government is also considering new welfare schemes covering health, pensions and education for workers’ children.
