India, April 18 -- In a sweeping crackdown on labour law violations, the Uttar Pradesh Government has moved to cancel the licences of 203 contractors linked to 24 factories in Gautam Buddh Nagar. The action comes amid allegations of denial of worker benefits and irregularities in wage payments, officials said.

Authorities have also issued penalty notices amounting to 1.16 crore against the contractors, directing that the amount be paid to affected workers.

Alongside licence cancellations, the Government has initiated the process of blacklisting the agencies involved and is preparing for recovery proceedings in cases where workers' dues remain unpaid. The action follows findings by the Labour Department that several contractors had faile...