Migrant laborers may return to Surat late this year

Surat, 4 November 2013

According to Surat unit president of Indian National Trade Union(INTUK) Mr. Usmani, the migrant laborers from east Indian states who left Surat for Diwali are not likely return on time this year due to good rain in their native states.

Migrant laborers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand are integral part of Surat’s dying-processing, power-loom, embroidery and textile industries.

Textile industry had good time in pre-Diwali season, and such good days are likely to continue in upcoming wedding and Christmas periods also. However the industry is worried about whether the labors will return back to Surat on time!

According to Surat INTUC president Mr. Usmani, NAREGA has already contributed to shortage of labors in Surat, added to that around 20% labors are not likely to return on time due to good rain in UP, Bihar and Jharkhand. The laborers are likely to join agriculture after Chhath puja, and they may only return after spending entire month of November in wheat/paddy farming. They may come back in the first week of December only. This will escalate labor costs in industries in Surat.

Presently a helper is paid Rs. 300-350 daily wage. Assistant operator, operator, border-man, maker-man are available only for Rs. 400-450 per day. There was a time when helper would seek only Rs. 200 per day.