MNarega hits industry, Surat weavers brief Rahul Gandhi

Surat’s weaving industry is facing up to 40% shortage of laborers due to Mahatma Gandhi NAREGA scheme of the central government according to Surat Weavers Association President Ashok Jirawala who has also represented this issue before Congress MP and General Secretary Rahul Gandhi.

Jirawala has briefed Rahul Gandhi that though MNAREGA is good scheme, the problem with this scheme is that most of the youths are getting involved in it which has resulted into shortage of laborers in industry. This may create a big problem for Indian industries.

Jirawala has requested Rahul Gandhi to restrict the scheme only for those in 35-55 age group, and exclusion of skilled persons and youths from the scheme.

According to Jirawala the city of Surat and surrounding areas are now facing shortage of laborers due to which some units have closed their night shift.

He said the scheme is being implemented very efficiently in Bihar and Orissa, the states that are major source of laborers.

While in Gujarat MNAREGA provides maximum Rs. 124, the states like Bihar and Orissa provide Rs. 100-150 for seven-hour work with lunch. A laborer in Surat’s weaving industry earns Rs. 5000-12000 per month, but he also has to spend too much money for living and other expenses in Surat. On the other hand in Bihar or Orissa, a laborer can earn through MNAREGA, and also can involve himself in small farming activity.

It should be mentioned here that the city of Surat has about nine lakh looms which employ about five lakh laborers. Most of them are from Orissa, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. About 40% of them have not returned back from their native after Diwali. It is estimated that only half of them may return by June this year. Due to this newer trend, grey over production has been prevented, which results into good earning in market.