In Surat’s power looms, ‘ease of doing business’ norms leave workers vulnerable to exploitation
Wages are low, hours are long and rates of injury are high. Representative image: A scene in a power-loom factor during the coronavirus lockdown in April. | Francis Mascarenhas/AFP
This is an excerpt from the sixth edition of the India Exclusion Report, a collaborative effort involving institutions and individuals working with a shared notion of social and economic equity, justice and rights. The report seeks to inform public opinion around exclusion and the role of the state and to influence policy-making towards creating a more inclusive, equitable and just society. The annual publication is anchored by the Centre for Equity Studies and edited by its director, Harsh Mander.