Tribal Labourers in South Gujarat Denied Fair Wages for Sugarcane Cutting

Surat : Millions of poor tribal labourers in South Gujarat are facing exploitation when it comes to minimum wage payments for sugarcane cutting. This comes despite a recent government notification raising the minimum wage.

The Gujarat government announced a hike in the minimum wage for sugarcane cutters on March 27, 2023. The new rate, effective from April 1, 2023, set the minimum wage at Rs 476 per ton of sugarcane cut. However, a disturbing trend has emerged – sugar factories in South Gujarat are allegedly deducting Rs 101 per ton from the mandated wage.

The Mazoor Adhikar Manch (Workers’ Rights Forum), a labour rights organization, has raised serious concerns about this practice. They estimate that during the ongoing 2023-24 sugarcane cutting season, this deduction could amount to a staggering Rs 91 crore (approximately $11 million) in unpaid wages to tribal labourers.

In a memorandum submitted to the Labour Commissioner in Gandhinagar, the Mazoor Adhikar Manch accused sugar factories of exploiting these vulnerable workers. They have demanded that all labour payments be made in the presence of Labour Department officials at each sugar factory across South Gujarat.

The organization has cited the example of Dadariya Sugar Factory near Surat. According to their investigation, the factory is paying only Rs 375 per ton after deducting Rs 101 per ton. This breakdown includes Rs 21 per ton for various allowances and a hefty Rs 80 per ton as commission for the “mukadam” (contractor).

With an estimated 90 lakh tons (9 million tons) of sugarcane expected to be crushed in South Gujarat this year, the potential exploitation could be significant. Denis Macwan, leader of the Mazoor Adhikar Manch, expressed his disappointment during a meeting with the managing director of Dadariya Sugar Factory.

“We were informed that the labour rate is paid as per the instructions of the Gujarat State Cooperative Sugar Industry association,” Macwan explained. “However, the fact remains that all sugar factories are paying Rs 375 per ton, not the mandated Rs 476.”

Macwan further highlighted the alleged lack of government intervention. “The State Government seems to be turning a blind eye to the exploitation of these poor tribal labourers,” he stated. “Several departments – Cooperatives, Labour, Education, Health, Tribal Welfare, Agriculture, and Forest – are directly responsible for their well-being. Yet, this exploitation continues with the apparent collaboration of all these departments.”

The situation demands immediate action. The Labour Department needs to conduct thorough investigations and ensure that sugar factories comply with the minimum wage regulations. Additionally, stricter monitoring mechanisms are crucial to prevent similar practices in the future. Only then can these tribal labourers be guaranteed fair compensation for their hard work, stated Macwan.