Tensions among daily wage workers have been rising in several parts of India, including Noida, where protests have grown more intense on April 13. Workers are demanding higher wages, better leave benefits and pay parity with Haryana.
Workers in Noida are pushing for higher minimum wages after Haryana recently raised monthly pay from about ₹14,000 to ₹19,000, marking a rise of nearly 35%. Meanwhile, wages in Uttar Pradesh remain close to ₹13,000, increasing dissatisfaction in the industrial region.
Labour conditions differ across India, with some states offering better wages, rights and protections. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Haryana stand out as stronger performers with better enforcement, higher wages and wider social security coverage.
These states stand out due to higher minimum wages, strong labour unions and better enforcement of safety norms. They also ensure stronger implementation of social security schemes like Employees State Insurance (ESI) and Provident Fund across industries.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are widely seen as weaker in labour conditions. Low wages, a large unorganised workforce, weak unions and poor enforcement of labour laws continue to affect workers, even though employment opportunities exist.
Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan fall in the mid-range category. While they have strong industrial bases and high job opportunities, weak labour unions and heavy dependence on contract workers continue to limit wage growth.
Under the Factories Act, 1948, workers are allowed 8 to 9 working hours per day with a maximum limit of 48 hours per week. The law also mandates a weekly day off and requires overtime to be paid at double the regular wage rate.
Meanwhile, wage estimates show unskilled workers earn ₹10,000 to ₹18,000, semi-skilled workers ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 and skilled workers ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, depending on state policies and demand across different sectors.
