Why Noida’s factory unrest is more than just about minimum wages

Streets in Noida’s industrial belt saw scenes of unrest on April 13 as protesting factory workers set vehicles ablaze, hurled stones, and clashed with police. Workers from multiple units gathered in large numbers, accusing employers of low wages, irregular payments, and exploitative practices. 

The unrest is not just about a single wage revision. The protests point to a deeper structural issue in India’s labour market, where industries may be formally registered, but workers within them often lack basic protections such as written contracts and social security.