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MEGHDOOT SHARON
SURAT, Nov 5: Production in most textile units in Surat has begun to fall with the mass exodus of Oriya labourers from the city in the past few days. However, what is worrying industrialists is that most labourers may not return soon, busy as they would be helping in the rehabilitation of their families back home.
Migrant labourers from Orissa continue to board trains bound for the East and Bhusawal, from where connecting trains to the cyclone-ravaged state are available. Their leaders say the exodus is expected to continue for at least another week.
Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) president Amarnath Dora said he expected at least one lakh labourers to leave the city in the next few days. ``This exodus will cost 25 per cent of the production in November and can have a severe impact,'' he said.
At least 70 per cent of the workers employed in the various units connected with the textile industry in Surat are Oriyas. In many factories, production is already down by 30 to 40 percent, industrialists here say.
Laxman Dobariya, president of the Kim Pipodra Weavers' Association, said three-fourths of the migrant workers had already gone on annual Diwali vacation when the cyclone hit Orissa. And now more are leaving.
``What is worrying is that all those who are going have stated that they will not return for about two months, which means that production will be hit at least until January next,'' Dobariya said.
Katargam Industrial Association president Jayanti Gajjar complained of a 40 to 45 per cent fall in production after Oriya labourers started leaving. ``All the 850 to 900 units of the estate have been affected because of the exodus,'' he said.
Dyeing, printing and other industries located at Magdalla Road, Udhna, Sachin, Pandesara, Varachha, Kapodara and Ved Road areas have also been affected as most of the seven lakh Oriya workforce is employed in these areas.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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