Noida protests: Admin cracks down on contractors — 203 blacklisted, fined Rs 1.16 crore

While action is being taken to cancel licences, recover dues and blacklist firms of 203 contractors, the remaining contractors are being identified, and strict action will follow, Dwivedi further said.

“The government has made it clear that negligence towards workers’ rights will not be tolerated,” he added.

The action follows labour tensions in Gautam Buddha Nagar over wage hike demands, after which a government-appointed high-level committee recommended a 21% increase in wages for workers across 74 scheduled employments in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad. “The revised wages will be effective from April 1, and payments will be made between May 7 and 10. The hike applies equally to both contractual and permanent workers,” said an official.

Authorities have clarified that no deductions other than Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) will be permitted from wages, and any violations will invite strict action under labour laws.

“Any violation will invite strict legal action. The Labour department has reiterated that overtime must be paid at double the rate, and statutory benefits such as bonus and gratuity must be ensured. In cases of delayed or underpayment of wages, both contractors and principal employers will be held accountable,” the official said, adding that prosecution will be initiated in court against those found violating payment norms.