Noida electronics hub rattled as wage protests turn violent

India’s electronics supply chain faced fresh disruption as wage protests turned violent across Noida’s industrial belt on April 13, with workers torching vehicles, pelting police with stones and blocking key roads in the Phase 2 Industrial Area. Police responded with tear gas and baton charges, arresting at least 50 people. Delhi Police were placed on high alert amid concerns the unrest could spill into the capital.

The protests, which began over the weekend, reflect a deepening grievance over Noida’s status as the lowest-paying manufacturing zone in the National Capital Region. Unskilled workers in Noida earn a minimum of ₹11,313 per month under Uttar Pradesh’s wage schedule — roughly 25% less than Gurugram across the state border in Haryana, where the minimum wage was recently raised to ₹15,220. When Haryana then announced a further hike to ₹19,000 — a near 35% jump — workers in Noida’s garment, electronics and auto parts factories demanded parity. Workers are reportedly earning between ₹13,000 and ₹15,000 a month and are demanding at least ₹20,000, an eight-hour working day cap, and clearance of salary arrears and pending retirement dues.

Dixon Technologies, among the electronics manufacturers caught in the disruption, sought to reassure investors, describing the situation as “industry-wide and primarily triggered by misinformation,” and confirming its operations remain “fully compliant with applicable laws” with no material impact on the business.

Noida’s industrial corridor is a critical node in India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem, hosting facilities for major players including Samsung and Dixon Technologies. The District Magistrate is reported to have introduced new wage guidelines as authorities work to restore order.

CT Bureau