Noida: Gautam Budh Nagar police commissionerate has set up a dedicated industrial cell and appointed an ad hoc deputy commissioner of police for industrial affairs, days after a violent workers’ protest over a hike in minimum wages.One of the NCR’s most densely industrialised districts, Noida houses nearly 15,000 registered units across its three police zones, ranging from small enterprises to multinational corporations, collectively accounting for over two lakh companies and employing around four lakh workers.
The DCP (industrial) will be supported by an assistant commissioner of police, three inspectors and 25 personnel. The cell will be responsible for maintaining continuous dialogue with industrial units, labour organisations and workers, coordinating with government departments, addressing industrial disputes and monitoring law and order, while ensuring compliance with UP and central govt labour laws. A dedicated contact number has been issued to streamline communication.Officials said the industrial sector had emerged as a critical zone given 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 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 DGP 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 the protesters set vehicles and properties on fire, and threw stones during altercations with the police in Phase-2 and Sector 63, prompting the commissionerate to assess the need for a dedicated mechanism to manage industrial grievances before they escalate.
