Noida: In a widening crackdown after the April 13 industrial unrest in the city, the labour department has cancelled the licences of 25 more contractors accused of violating workers’ rights, including alleged non-payment of wages, bonuses and overtime. The action came after they failed to respond to show-cause notices, officials said on Tuesday.The latest cancellations follow the suspension of licences of 10 contractors on Saturday under the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, signalling a sharper push by the department against firms accused of flouting labour rules.The action is part of a broader probe launched after industrial workers staged a protest on April 13, demanding higher wages. The protest had turned violent, with large-scale vandalism reported, prompting authorities to examine labour practices across industrial units in the district.During this exercise, proceedings were initiated against 203 contractors and outsourcing agencies that supply workers to industries in Noida. Officials said the alleged violations included withholding wages, bonuses and overtime dues from workers.Additional labour commissioner Rakesh Dwivedi said inspections were continuing and action was being taken wherever irregularities were found. “Notices were served where compliance gaps came to light. Contractors who did not respond have had their licences cancelled,” he added.Officials said contractors were asked to pay workers a total of Rs 1.2 crore that the department found had been withheld. Apart from licence suspension or cancellation, they could also face blacklisting.The list of the 25 contractors whose licences have now been cancelled has been sent to the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation for verification of compliance and further legal action, officials said.Dwivedi said the drive would continue to enforce labour laws, protect workers’ interests and maintain industrial peace in the district. Under the Contract Labour Act, violations can attract up to three months’ imprisonment.
