Flames billow as factory workers set fire to a police motorcycle during a protest demanding higher wages in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, April 13 | Photo credit: PTI
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The Noida workers’ protest, which turned into widespread violence on April 13, has become a major crisis for the Uttar Pradesh government. The unrest, fueled primarily by demands for higher wages and improved working conditions, paralyzed parts of the city’s industrial zones and prompted a massive security response. Domestic workers in high-rise buildings such as Cleo County also began protesting for higher wages on April 14. The administration took a dual approach of repression and concessions. In direct response to the riots, the Uttar Pradesh government announced a 20-21% hike in minimum wages with retrospective effect from 1 April. As Uttar Pradesh heads towards the polls, the situation has given the opposition a problem to oust the government.
Published – 19 Apr 2026 02:46 IST
