Prohibitory orders imposed in Manesar as contractual workers plan protests

Gurgaon: The district administration on Wednesday imposed prohibitory orders in Manesar in view of protests planned by contractual workers working in multiple manufacturing units.District magistrate and deputy commissioner Ajay Kumar on Wednesday imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 in IMT Manesar and adjoining areas.“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 salary hike. The decision follows 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. Violators will face stern legal proceedings under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with other applicable laws.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.