A day after several vehicles were torched during a massive protest by workers across industrial units in Gautam Buddha Nagar demanding hike in salary, the Uttar Pradesh Government on Tuesday announced a hike in minimum wages across categories, due to which the workers will get a hike of nearly Rs 3,000 in unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled categories.According to notification, the new rates will be effective from April 1, 2026. The decision was taken after a detailed review conducted by the high-level committee that was constituted on the instructions of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.However, the government refuted the reports regarding Rs 20,000 minimum wage and called them as misleading.The UP Government will also set up a wage board in future, keeping in view the demands of workers and the challenges faced by industries.Industrial Development Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh, Deepak Kumar, said, “On the CM’s instructions, the Uttar Pradesh Government has adopted a balanced approach and decided to implement an interim increase in minimum wages, in which the highest increase has been given to the skilled category of workers.”“In Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, this increase is up to 21 percent,” he said, adding that the new interim wage rates would be effective from April 1, 2026.The official said that the process of determining permanent minimum wages would be initiated on the basis of recommendations of the wage board to be constituted next month. The government is also considering new schemes related to health, pension and education of workers’ children, he added.According to the interim increase, minimum wages of unskilled workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad have been increased from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690, semi-skilled workers from Rs 12,445 to Rs 15,059, and skilled workers from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,868.It was further stated that for other municipal corporation districts, wages of unskilled workers have been increased from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,006, semi-skilled workers from Rs 12,445 to Rs 14,306, and skilled workers from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,025.Similarly, for other districts, wages of unskilled workers have been increased from Rs 11,313 to Rs 12,356, semi-skilled workers from Rs 12,445 to Rs 13,591, and skilled workers from Rs 13,940 to Rs 15,224.Meanwhile, the state government is holding extensive consultations with employer organisations, worker unions and all other stakeholders. The committee on Tuesday held meetings with workers and employers in multiple phases.Worker representatives told the members that their movement was completely peaceful, which included demands such as wage increase, weekly leave, double payment for overtime, protection of workers’ rights and a dignified working environment.On the other hand, employers stated that the industry was currently facing global challenges; and rising raw material costs and decline in exports had increased pressure on industries. However, they termed the demands of workers as relevant and worth consideration.The committee informed the media that a control room had been established at the district level to ensure workers’ welfare and maintenance of peace. Workers can register any kind of complaint, grievance or information through this control room on the numbers 120-2978231, 120-2978232, 120-2978862, 120-2978702.Meanwhile, the Noida police is investigating violence that erupted after the protest. Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh on Tuesday said that more than 300 individuals had been arrested and seven FIRs registered in connection with the protest that turned violent.