Noida: A massive protest by factory workers in Noida has escalated into violence in several areas, prompting swift intervention by the district administration. The agitation, which began on Friday, centers around a key demand—raising monthly wages from ₹12,000 to ₹20,000.
In response, District Magistrate Medha Roopam announced a series of 11 measures aimed at improving working conditions, while urging workers to maintain peace and resume duties. However, the core demand for a salary hike remains unresolved, keeping tensions high.
What Triggered the Protest
Factory workers across Noida have been demanding a minimum monthly salary of ₹20,000, highlighting that current wages range between ₹9,000 and ₹13,000. The protests intensified over the weekend and turned violent in parts of the industrial belt on Monday.
Despite multiple rounds of discussions between authorities and industrial units, dissatisfaction persists among workers.
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DM Medha Roopam Announces 11 Key Assurances
Following meetings with industrial representatives, DM Medha Rupam rolled out a comprehensive set of directives to address workers’ concerns:
- Double overtime pay for extra working hours
- Weekly day off for all employees
- Double wages for work on weekly off days (including Sundays)
- Timely bonus payments to be credited by November 30
- Salary disbursal by the 10th of every month
- Mandatory salary slips for all workers
- Establishment of Sexual Harassment Prevention Committees in every factory (headed by a woman)
- Installation of complaint boxes in industrial units
- Assurance of dignified and respectful treatment of workers
- CCTV cameras outside factories to remain functional
- Mandatory display of government guidelines on factory notice boards
Helpline and Control Room Set Up
To address grievances more effectively, the administration has also established a dedicated control room. Workers and industrial units can reach out via helpline numbers to report issues and seek assistance.
This move is aimed at ensuring faster redressal of complaints and maintaining communication between authorities and workers.
No Clarity on Salary Hike Demand
While the administration has introduced several welfare measures, no official announcement has been made regarding the workers’ primary demand—a minimum salary of ₹20,000.
This has led to continued unrest, with many workers expressing dissatisfaction despite the new provisions.
DM Appeals for Peace Amid Tension
DM Medha has appealed to workers to maintain peace and return to work, assuring them that their concerns are being taken seriously and addressed through structured reforms.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation.
Who is IAS Medha Roopam?
IAS Medha is a 2014-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre and currently serves as the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) since July 2025.
She secured All India Rank 10 in the 2013 UPSC Civil Services Examination and holds a degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College.
She is also the daughter of Gyanesh Kumar. Prior to her current role, she has served in key administrative positions in districts such as Meerut and Baghpat.
Situation Remains Sensitive
Despite administrative efforts and assurances, the situation in Noida remains tense, with workers continuing to press for wage revisions.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether dialogue between workers, industry representatives, and the administration can lead to a lasting resolution.
