Noida: The Gautam Budh Nagar police commissionerate has established a dedicated industrial cell and appointed an ad hoc deputy commissioner of police (DCP) for industrial affairs, days after a violent workers’ protest over a hike in minimum wages.
One of the National Capital Region’s most densely industrialised districts, Noida houses nearly 15,000 registered units across its three police zones, ranging from small enterprises to multinational corporations. These collectively account for over two lakh companies and employ around four lakh workers.
The DCP (industrial) will be supported by an assistant commissioner of police, three inspectors, and 25 personnel. The cell is responsible for maintaining continuous dialogue with industrial units, labour organisations, and workers. It will coordinate with government departments, address industrial disputes, and monitor law and order, while ensuring compliance with Uttar Pradesh and central government labour laws. A dedicated contact number has been issued to streamline communication.
Officials stated that the industrial sector had emerged as a critical zone due to its economic significance and the large workforce involved. “The cell will facilitate swift information sharing between industries and police across different zones, enabling prompt response to emerging issues,” an official said.
Police personnel conducted a flag march in the industrial sector after the workers' protest earlier this month. The proposal, prepared by the additional commissioner of police (law and order) and the DCP Headquarters, will be sent within three days to the Director General of Police and the state home department for approval. A comprehensive standard operating procedure will also be drafted to guide the unit’s functioning. The industrial cell, however, has been directed to commence operations with immediate effect.
The move follows a protest earlier this month in which workers took to the streets demanding a revision of minimum wages. The demonstration turned violent when protesters set vehicles and properties on fire and threw stones during altercations with police in Phase-2 and Sector 63. This prompted the commissionerate to assess the need for a dedicated mechanism to manage industrial grievances before they escalate.
