NOIDA/LUCKNOW, April 14 -- The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a high-level committee to address the issues arising out of the factory workers' protest in Noida and examine the workers' demands, officials said on Monday. According to an official order issued on April 13, the panel will be chaired by the industrial development commissioner Alok Kumar and include the additional chief secretary (MSME), principal secretary (labour and employment), and the labour commissioner as member secretary, along with representatives of labour unions and industry bodies. Gautam Buddha Nagar district magistrate Medha Roopam said the committee was formed to ensure a structured resolution. "The committee will engage with all stakeholders and submit its recommendations on priority. The administration is committed to protecting the interests of workers while ensuring industrial peace," she said. The committee also includes five representatives from labour unions and three from industrial associations. According to the officials, the committee has been formed on the directions of chief minister Yogi Adityanath and has already reached Noida to initiate dialogue with the workers, industry representatives and other stakeholders to resolve the situation at the earliest. The official order issued by the state government stated that the panel will work towards removing industrial discord in Gautam Buddh Nagar and ensure smooth functioning of industrial activities through consultations and coordination. "The committee will submit its recommendations on priority," the order said. The officials also said that a thorough probe will be conducted into any attempts by "vested interests" or political motives to disturb the atmosphere. The government reiterated that efforts are being made to restore normalcy and address workers' concerns through dialogue, while maintaining law and order in the region. A workers' protest over wage hike demands escalated into violence in Noida's Phase 2 industrial area on Monday, with incidents of arson, stone-pelting and vandalism reported, prompting heavy police deployment. Large groups of workers gathered, blocked roads and clashed with police as the agitation entered its fifth day. Two vehicles were set on fire and several properties were damaged during the violence, officials said. The protests, which began on Friday evening, were initially peaceful but turned volatile as tensions escalated. Eyewitnesses said sections of the crowd raised slogans, with some shouting that they would not back down in the face of police action. Videos circulating on social media showed a fire at a premises in Sector 63. Police teams were rushed to the spot, and force was used in some areas to disperse crowds and prevent further escalation. "The situation is being closely monitored. Adequate force has been deployed and efforts are underway to restore normalcy," a senior police officer said. The agitation was largely centred around hosiery and manufacturing units, with workers demanding a significant wage hike. Protesters said many workers currently earn between Rs.10,000 and Rs.15,000 per month and are seeking a revision to Rs.18,000-Rs.20,000. "We have been working for years without any meaningful increase in wages. Our demand is simple - we want a fair salary that reflects current costs," said Suraj (single name), a worker employed in an industrial unit in Sector 63. Pragyaraj (single name), another protester, said the agitation would continue. "We began with a demand for a salary hike, and we will stay here until we get what we are owed," he said. Officials said that apart from the wage hike, issues related to overtime, workplace dignity and working conditions had been discussed in earlier meetings, with some concerns already addressed. District administration officials, meanwhile, said efforts were ongoing to de-escalate tensions through dialogue. Additional labour commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi reached Noida's Phase 2 industrial area to engage with workers and said discussions had been held between workers and employers. "The administration is communicating government policies and directions issued by the district magistrate to the workers. Efforts are being made to understand their concerns and resolve them through dialogue," he said, adding that the demand for a wage hike would be forwarded to the state government. Uttar Pradesh director general of police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna said police are identifying elements who allegedly instigated violence during workers' protests in Noida and warned that strict action will be taken against them. In a brief update, the DGP said "provocative elements" and "external elements" involved in the unrest are being traced. "Firm legal action will follow once their identities are established," Krishna said. Officials said the DGP along with senior officers, including additional director general (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash, were monitoring the situation in Noida from the police headquarters control room in Lucknow. Additional DCP (central Noida) Rajendra Kumar Gautam said police remained deployed across affected areas. "The police have been continuously present and active on the ground, working systematically to manage the situation," he said, adding that no arrests had been made so far. (With agency inputs)...