Labour unrest in Surat puts Modi-Shah’s Gujarat model under strain

A crackdown by Gujarat Police on textile workers demanding higher wages and weekly holidays in Surat has intensified labour unrest in one of India’s biggest manufacturing hubs, triggering a massive exodus of migrant workers ahead of Diwali and Chhath Puja.

Last week, police detained around 70 workers from embroidery units who had gathered outside the Surat collector’s office to press their demands. Authorities claimed the workers had not obtained permission for the protest. A report by The New Indian Express included video footage of police using lathis to detain and assault workers. This heavy-handed response only worsened an already volatile situation.

Reports indicate that thousands of workers have since begun returning to their home states. According to BBC Hindi, nearly 10 lakh workers have left Surat, raising alarm among textile industry employers about potential labour shortages during the festive season—a critical period for garment demand.