Contract workers employed in private factories in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, staged a protest demanding higher wages, but the agitation later spiralled into violence. Economists and activists say the episode reflects deeper distress linked to rising living costs rather than a simple wage dispute.
Noida, set up in 1976 and now a major industrial hub for automobile manufacturing, auto components and electronics, has entered its golden jubilee year. Instead of celebrations, the industrial belt witnessed a large protest on April 13 involving thousands of contract workers, including women.
During the demonstration, incidents of stone-pelting and vehicles being set on fire were reported, escalating tensions. The unrest is being linked to a sharp squeeze on household budgets, with workers saying essentials have become unaffordable on monthly wages that go up to about Rs 12,000.
The report points to disruptions in global crude oil supply due to the ongoing US–Israel war against Iran, with claims of cooking gas shortages in some countries. While the Union government has said such a situation has not arisen in India, the article alleges black-market LPG cylinders are being sold for as much as Rs 4,000, forcing small eateries and hotels in several places to shut.
Activists also criticised new labour laws implemented by the Centre on the 1st, alleging they reduce take-home pay and make it easier to remove informal workers. The report cites 2025 figures stating many workers lack written contracts, social security benefits and even paid weekly off, and notes that the agitation has spread from Noida to Bulandshahr, Faridabad and Manesar in Haryana.
