203 contractors face action in Noida over labour violations

In a sweeping crackdown on labour law violations, the Uttar Pradesh Government has moved to cancel the licences of 203 contractors linked to 24 factories in Gautam Buddh Nagar. The action comes amid allegations of denial of worker benefits and irregularities in wage payments, officials said.

Authorities have also issued penalty notices amounting to 1.16 crore against the contractors, directing that the amount be paid to affected workers.

Alongside licence cancellations, the Government has initiated the process of blacklisting the agencies involved and is preparing for recovery proceedings in cases where workers’ dues remain unpaid. The action follows findings by the Labour Department that several contractors had failed to comply with statutory requirements.

Additional Labour Commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi said some contractors were also under scrutiny for their suspected role in incidents of unrest during recent worker protests. “The identification of other contractors is still underway.

Strict action will be taken in all such cases. The Government is clear that violations of workers’ rights will not be tolerated,” Dwivedi said. Officials said the enforcement drive is part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with labour laws and restore accountability among contractors and employers. In cases of delayed or incomplete wage payments, responsibility will be fixed not only on contractors but also on principal employers.

The Labour Department has made it clear that workers must receive all statutory benefits, including overtime at double rates, bonus, and gratuity.

It has also directed that no deductions apart from Employees’ Provident Fund and Employees’ State Insurance contributions will be allowed from wages. Any violation of these norms will invite legal action. The crackdown comes in the backdrop of labour unrest linked to wage issues in the region. To address concerns, a Government-appointed committee has recommended a 21 per cent increase in wages for workers employed in 74 scheduled categories in Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad.

Officials said the revised wage structure will come into effect from April 1, 2026. Workers are expected to receive the updated wages between May 7 and May 10. The increase will apply uniformly to both contractual and permanent employees.

The Government has stressed that the timely implementation of the revised wages is essential to prevent further disputes and ensure industrial stability. Monitoring mechanisms are being put in place to track compliance across factories and contractors.

Meanwhile, industry bodies in the district have begun steps to implement the new wage guidelines. Officials said these efforts have helped maintain stability in the industrial ecosystem. Communication campaigns using messages, audio clips, and videos are being circulated to spread awareness among employers about the new requirements.

The administration believes that strict enforcement, combined with cooperation from industry groups, will help create a more transparent and fair working environment. Ensuring that workers receive their lawful dues remains a key priority, officials added.