Dindigul, Tamil Nadu: A group of tribal women from Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district, employed at Adishankara Spinning Mills Pvt Ltd in Tamil Nadu, are pleading to return home. The women, hailing from the Manjhary and Tantnagar blocks, had arrived in May 2024 seeking employment. Now, citing distressing working conditions and personal challenges, they have reached out to the Jharkhand government for assistance.

In a letter addressed to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the West Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner, and the Labour Department, the women alleged they were being prevented from leaving the boarding facility arranged by the employer, unless accompanied by the agent-in charge who recruited them. The letter, which has gone viral on social media, highlights the struggles of these women, bringing attention to potential labor exploitation.

Contradicting the women’s claims, their agent Vibhash Mahato argued that the workers failed to follow company protocols, including the requirement to give 15 days’ notice before taking leave. According to Mahato, the women demanded to leave immediately after receiving their salaries on the 7th of the month and have since stopped working, confining themselves to their rooms.

The workers' plight

The women paint a contrasting picture, sharing stories of financial, physical, and emotional distress. They alleged that Mahato demanded ₹8,000 from each of them if they wished to leave and that calls to him have gone unanswered.

Jingi Hansda, from Adur village, said she joined the mill in May 2024 after being promised a monthly salary of ₹10,000–₹12,000 but received no more than ₹8,000. “They deduct room rent and food expenses from our salaries without explaining the details. My mother is seriously ill, and I need to return home, but I’m being denied permission,” said Jingi, who took the job to support her family after her father’s death.

Mumti Birua cited her deteriorating health as the reason for wanting to leave. Similarly, Sita Gagrai described cramped living conditions, with nine women sharing a single room and sleeping on mats. “The food—rice and lentils with coconut—does not suit us. We get chapatis only once a week,” she said. Sita also shared that two uncles had passed away recently, making it imperative for her to return home.

Phulmuni Hansda, from Tippil village, echoed similar concerns, saying her salary ranged from ₹6,000 to ₹8,000, and even her official weekly off days were sometimes revoked. As the eldest of six siblings, she took the job to support her father, the family’s sole earner, but now feels compelled to return as her mother battles cancer.

“No one is being forced to work here. Salaries are paid according to the number of days worked,” Vibhash Mahato told The Mooknayak. “I have requested 10 days to manage the situation because if so many workers leave at once, it will disrupt 20–30 machines. Leave is granted based on the order of applications.”

He dismissed allegations of financial misconduct and emphasized that accommodation and food is being provided free of cost. “All families are informed about the work conditions beforehand. However, after securing the job, workers often dislike the discipline required,” he added.

Mahato stated that the mill provides training for two months and clearly explains the terms of employment, including leave policies. It is clearly communicated to all employees upfront that a 15-day prior notice is mandatory for leave. In cases of emergencies, this requirement is waived, but can there really be an emergency affecting 19-20 people simultaneously?"

In this textile manufacturing company, the workers are engaged in processes ranging from converting raw cotton into yarn and yarn into fabric. The company operates in three shifts: morning, half-night, and full-night. Each worker is required to rotate through all three shifts weekly, but the women primarily work in the morning and half-night shifts.

Currently, they are paid a daily wage of ₹450, with an additional ₹20 per day for half-night shifts and ₹40 per day for full-night shifts. They are required to work 26 days a month. The attendance is recorded through a punching system.

Vibhash remarked, "If you wish, I can provide the salary slips of all employees at the company. Salaries are credited directly to their bank accounts based on attendance, ensuring complete transparency."

Vibhash further says that after the letter went viral on social media, leaders and family members have been calling him, and he is not avoiding talking to anyone. According to him, no wrongful deductions are being made from the girls' salaries, nor has anyone been asked to give money. He also mentions that a young woman named Damyanti, who was part of the same team, had earlier gone to work for another company, but after finding the work environment unsuitable, she returned here.

“The women have refused to work for the past four days,” Mahato said, adding that he recently sent six workers home and was planning to send another batch soon. He also alleged that some workers rely on rituals instead of seeking medical treatment, which affects their health and attendance.

Dindigul, a hub for textile manufacturing, attracts laborers from across India. However, cultural differences, stringent work conditions, and inadequate facilities often lead to dissatisfaction among workers. While recruiters like Mahato insist on transparency, the frequent complaints from employees highlight systemic issues within the industry.

The viral letter and the women’s grievances have drawn attention to the role of recruitment agents and the treatment of migrant workers in the textile industry.

The Mooknayak has shared the details with the Dindigul Collector and Social Welfare Officer, urging a thorough investigation. Updates will follow as authorities respond to the situation.