Stories
Surat Exodus: Why Millions of UP and Bihar Workers are Leaving Gujarat
N
News18•11-10-2026, 22:19
Surat Exodus: Why Millions of UP and Bihar Workers are Leaving Gujarat
- •Around 10 million migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are leaving Gujarat's diamond and textile hub Surat to return to their villages.
- •Workers allege severe mental and financial exploitation, claiming they are forced to work 12-hour shifts for all 30 days without weekly leaves or timely salaries.
- •Laborers report being fired and having their wages withheld simply for demanding a day off or asking for a 26-day work month instead of 30.
- •The Labor Union has stepped in to support the 'Gaon Chalo Andolan', warning that the exodus could trigger a major crisis for Surat's textile industry.
Key Questions Answered
Workers are facing intense mental and financial exploitation in Surat's factories, including grueling 12-hour shifts without full salaries on time, no weekly days off, and salary deductions or termination for taking leave due to illness or fatigue.
Laborers are protesting against being pressured to work continuously for all 30 days of a month without a weekly holiday, withheld salaries, and immediate termination if they request a day off or refuse grueling shifts.
Amid the massive exodus of workers, labor union representatives have stepped in to provide water and biscuits at the railway station while strongly protesting the factory owners' exploitative labor practices.
