GURGAON: A day after the district administration imposed prohibitory orders in Manesar to curb the protests planned by contractual workers working in multiple manufacturing units, police had to resort to minor lathicharge on Thursday, leaving several injured. As the protesters gathered in large number outside their respective workplaces, the cops reminded them of the prohibitory orders issued by the District magistrate and deputy commissioner Ajay Kumar on Wednesday imposing Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 in IMT Manesar and adjoining areas.As the protesters started raising slogans seeking salary hike, police had to use mild force to disperse the gathering. According to the fire officers, the mob set a police bike on fire. Police are likely to register a case. Several protesters got injured and one of the protesters suffered a blow on his head. The contractual workers were seen running to safety after police used force. Earlier as the authorities suspected such a situation, cops were deployed to refrain the protesters from causing any untoward situation. “The prohibitory orders aim to ensure public safety, maintain peace and keep traffic movement smooth. The order takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further directions,” the DC said. The contractual workers have been demanding a salary hike. The decision of the prohibitory orders followed an alert from the police about possible protests and marches that could disturb public peace, obstruct traffic and pose a threat to public safety. According to the order, gathering of five or more people without permission has been strictly prohibited in the IMT Manesar region. Carrying weapons of any kind — including firearms, swords, sticks, spears, axes, jelly, gandasa and knives — in public places has also been banned. Blocking roads or creating traffic disruptions has similarly been restricted. The restrictions will not apply to police personnel and other govt employees on duty. Traditional community activities that have prior permission, as well as persons with disabilities, will be exempted. However, the DC cautioned that any misuse of these exemptions or any attempt to disturb law and order will invite strict action. Meanwhile, Haryana govt on Wednesday decided to increase the minimum wages by 35%, which will be in effect from April 1. Haryana labour minister Anil Vij said the wages of unskilled workers were increased from Rs 11,274 to Rs 15,220, reflecting an increase of about Rs 3,945. Similarly, the wages of semi-skilled workers were increased from Rs 12,430 to Rs 16,780, showing an increase of Rs 4,350. The wages of skilled workers were increased from Rs 13,704 to Rs 18,500, marking an increase of Rs 4,796. Likewise, the wages of highly skilled workers were increased from Rs 14,389 to Rs 19,425, reflecting an increase of Rs 5,036. He said that the four new labour codes — the Code on Wages, 2019; the Industrial Relations Code, 2020; the Social Security Code, 2020; and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 — were implemented on Nov 21, 2025. With their implementation, 29 old and fragmented labour laws in the country have been simplified and rationally consolidated. He expressed confidence that this historic wage increase will bring “positive changes” in the lives of workers and provide economic strength to their families.
