While Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have dominated headlines with wage protests, Bhiwadi—a key industrial hub in Rajasthan—is witnessing growing unrest as workers intensify demands for higher wages and improved working conditions.

Over the past week, protests in Bhiwadi have gained momentum, with thousands of workers—many employed in automotive, engineering, and pharmaceutical factories—citing rising living costs and long working hours as major concerns. A sharp increase in LPG prices, driven by global tensions in the West Asia region, has further strained household budgets.

Workers say stagnant wages are no longer sustainable. Many earn around ₹11,500 per month, which they argue is insufficient to meet basic expenses amid inflation. Protesters are demanding wage hikes similar to those recently implemented in Haryana, where minimum wages reportedly saw a significant increase.

In addition to pay concerns, workers have raised issues around poor working conditions, lack of overtime compensation, and alleged mistreatment by factory management. While some factory owners have agreed to partial wage increases, negotiations remain ongoing across several units.

Bhiwadi, home to over four lakh workers—including a large migrant workforce—plays a crucial role in Rajasthan’s industrial output. Although the state’s minimum wage for unskilled workers is set at ₹7,410 per month, workers are pushing for revised pay structures, better working hours, and safeguards against workplace harassment.

As protests continue, both industry stakeholders and the state government are exploring solutions, including welfare measures such as subsidized gas cylinders. The situation in Bhiwadi reflects broader concerns over labour rights and the economic pressures driven by rising global fuel costs.