Noida, April 15 (IANS) Amid recent workers’ protests in UP’s Gautam Buddha Nagar, District Magistrate Medha Roopam has initiated direct dialogues with workers inside industrial units, while assuring that key demands — including a wage hike — have already been addressed and further reforms are underway.

Speaking to IANS, Medha Roopam thanked Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for taking swift action on workers’ concerns. She said that the primary demand of the workers, a salary increase, has been fulfilled following the recommendations of a high-powered committee constituted in response to the unrest.

“After the immediate implementation of the wage hike, many workers now feel that their voices are being heard,” she said, emphasising that the administration is committed to resolving issues through engagement rather than confrontation.

Appealing for calm, the District Magistrate urged both workers and industrial stakeholders to avoid violence. “Violence is not the answer. Dialogue and communication lead to solutions. It is our collective responsibility to maintain peace in Gautam Buddh Nagar,” she stated.

Highlighting additional measures recommended by the committee, Roopam said that all industries have been directed to ensure the timely payment of wages, with salaries to be credited into workers’ bank accounts before the 10th of every month. She further noted that workers must receive double wages for overtime work.

She also stressed the importance of labour rights and welfare provisions, stating that every worker should be granted a weekly day off. In cases where employees are required to work on their designated weekly leave, they must be compensated with double wages.

Addressing workplace safety and grievance redressal, the District Magistrate said that all industrial units must establish sexual harassment prevention committees, which will be headed by women. Additionally, complaint boxes are to be installed in every industry to ensure that workers can report grievances easily and without fear.

“The doors of the Collectorate are open. We are available to provide all possible support,” she added, reiterating the administration’s willingness to engage with all stakeholders.

Roopam also shared updates from her recent visit to key industrial zones, including the Surajpur industrial area and hosiery clusters. She noted that the situation is gradually returning to normal, with workers expressing a strong willingness to resume their duties.

“In all my interactions, workers have clearly said that they want to work — to earn through their hard work and dedication, and to do so in a peaceful environment,” she said.

–IANS

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