Surat Textile Mills Hit by 40% Worker Shortage as Bihar Elections Delay Workforce Return

Surat | Gujarat — The vibrant textile industry in Surat is now grappling with a significant crisis.  The Diwali festival, coupled with the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, has led to a significant shortage of artisans—approximately 40%—who have yet to make their way back to the diamond city of Surat.  The Bihar assembly elections  have caused a significant delay in the return of workers, leading to disruptions in the production of dyeing and printing mills in Surat.  The labor shortage has escalated to the point where mill owners are now compelled to cover the ticket fare upfront to attract workers back to Surat.

Despite the elections, the artisans have yet to make their return.

Jitu Vakharia, President of the Southern Gujarat Textile Processors Association (SGTPA), highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the Bihar elections and major festivals such as Chhath Puja have led to a significant number of artisans returning home via extra trains from Udhna station.  Workers from UP are gradually making their way back, yet even with the Bihar elections concluding on the 11th, a significant number of artisans remain hesitant to return.

Over 30% of the workforce is missing in mills.

 Vakharia reports a significant shortage of over 30% of workers in mills at present.  Consequently, the printing machine, typically operated by eight to ten men, is now being managed by only four to six individuals.  Even with the salary boost, the mill owners have implemented a short-term fix to address the fatigue and absenteeism among their workforce.  If the engaged workers are ready to take on the responsibilities of their colleagues, the owners have consented to provide them with a doubled salary as an incentive.

Prepared to offer a salary that’s double for our dedicated workers.

He stated that the industry has reached a consensus: if another employee takes on double the workload in the absence of a colleague, they should receive double the salary.  However, it’s important to recognize that each individual has their own work capacity; they may be able to push through for two days, but often find themselves fatigued by the third.  Given the present circumstances in the industry, the shortage is exceptionally significant.

Just 60% of dyeing and printing mills have begun operations.

Recent reports indicate that merely 60% of dyeing and printing mills have resumed operations following the Diwali vacation. Furthermore, among those, only 50% of the work is currently progressing, primarily due to a shortage of skilled craftsmen.  The issue at hand is compounded by the fact that inquiries regarding programs have begun to surge in the mills for Pongal and Eid, leading to an anticipated increase in demand for goods.

Ticket prices are being introduced to revive the artisans.

The mill owners and labor contractors have initiated a practice of covering ticket fare expenses to facilitate the return of artisans.  When contractors reach out to the workers who have left, the workers cite the lack of fare arrangements as their reason for not staying.  The contractors are requesting funds from the mill owners to cover arrangements such as ticket fares, and the mill owners are complying by sending the money.

Positive developments for the textile sector despite a scarcity of skilled artisans.

On a brighter note, the textile industry can look forward to the upcoming marriage season, which is set to kick off in full swing.  Furthermore, the products and demand that were hindered by heavy rains prior to Diwali are now being released in significant quantities from markets across the North and East.

The market in Surat faces the threat of being redirected to other locations.

Jitu Vakharia stated that the demand for goods is currently at an all-time high.  If the workers fail to show up, there’s a strong possibility that the Surat market will shift its focus elsewhere.  Should the artisans fail to return in significant numbers by next week, we may face challenges in meeting order deadlines, potentially leading Surat’s business to shift towards competing markets.  Mill owners are actively working to reinstate artisans promptly, even offering to cover travel expenses, to ensure they can meet the demands of the upcoming marriage season.