A workers’ protest in Noida turned violent as demonstrators clashed with police, vandalised property, and set vehicles on fire in Gautam Buddha Nagar. The protest escalated after demonstrators demanding a salary hike clashed with authorities and vandalised property outside a private company
A damaged vehicle during a workers’ protest in Noida (Pic/PTI)
A protest by workers in Phase 2 of Noida's Gautam Buddha Nagar escalated into violence on Monday, as demonstrators demanding a salary hike clashed with authorities and vandalised property outside a private company, news agency IANS reported.
The agitation, which had been ongoing for the past three days in the form of a sit-in protest, intensified as thousands of workers took to the streets across multiple industrial sectors.
Furthermore, the situation turned volatile in Sector 1, Block 84, where some protesters reportedly set vehicles on fire, reported IANS. Initial reports confirmed that at least two vehicles were completely gutted in the incident.
Uttar Pradesh: Protesters resort to stone-pelting in Noida
While the protest was peaceful in the beginning, eyewitnesses highlighted that incidents of stone-pelting also occurred during the agitation, damaging several vehicles and company properties. One vehicle was reportedly torched during the protest. Additionally, unrest was reported from Sector 62, where large gatherings of workers caused significant traffic congestion, disrupting normal movement in the area.
While the situation did become hostile, the authorities managed to control the violence by deploying a large police force.
Officers said they are working to prevent further damage to property and to maintain law and order in the area.
The unrest comes despite recent assurances by the district administration. On Sunday, officials from the administration, police, and industrial authorities held a series of meetings with representatives of various companies and workers, promising steps to address key demands, IANS reported.
Medha Roopam, the district magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar, stated that several directives had already been issued following discussions with industrial units.
She stated that workers would be paid double wages for overtime and would be entitled to a weekly day off. In cases where employees are required to work on their designated weekly rest day, they would receive double compensation for that day as well.
Administration mandates bonuses
The administration has also mandated that all workers must receive bonuses in accordance with established rules, and these payments should be credited directly to their bank accounts within the stipulated timeframe.
In a broader move aimed at improving labour conditions, the district administration has introduced new guidelines applicable across Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Under these rules, all companies and industrial units are required to pay wages by the 10th of every month. Overtime compensation at double the rate has been made compulsory, and any unauthorised salary deductions will attract punitive action. Employers have also been instructed to issue salary slips to all workers.
Additionally, a dedicated control room has been set up to address workers’ grievances promptly. The district administration has urged workers to remain calm, avoid rumours, and cooperate with authorities to maintain peace and order in the region.
(With inputs from IANS)
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