Surat’s textile industry is facing potential disruption as thousands of migrant workers reportedly leave their jobs and return to their native villages. The workers, many from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have launched the ‘Gaon Chalo’ movement to demand better working conditions, reasonable working hours and weekly holidays.

According to reports, some workers allege that textile mills require them to work up to 12 hours a day without a weekly day off. They also claim that workers face wage deductions, withheld salaries or dismissal when they request leave.

The reported movement has led to heavy crowds at Surat railway station, with many workers attempting to travel home. The situation has raised concerns among textile manufacturers, who rely heavily on migrant labour for textile production and embroidery work.

Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh visited Surat on October 9 amid the growing tensions. Addressing the issue, he called for cooperation between mill owners and workers, describing both sides as members of the same family. However, several questions about the reported worker exodus and its potential impact on production remained unanswered during his press conference.

Surat is one of India’s major textile manufacturing hubs. A prolonged labour shortage could affect production schedules, supply chains and business operations across the sector.

The industry’s immediate challenge is to address workers’ demands for weekly holidays, fair wages and manageable shifts. The response from mill owners and the outcome of discussions with the authorities could determine how the situation develops in the coming days.