Challenges Faced by Power Loom Workers in Bhiwandi, India

The once-thriving power loom industry in Bhiwandi, India is facing a crisis as increasing yarn prices and competition from cheap Chinese imports are forcing many looms to shut down. Abdul Sattar, a 70-year-old worker who has spent most of his life in the industry, stands amidst the noisy looms, reflecting on the changes he has witnessed.

When Sattar first arrived in Bhiwandi as a young boy, the workshops were bustling with activity, providing steady employment for many unskilled workers. However, in recent years, about 30% of the looms have closed down, leaving many workers like Ishtaq Ahmad Ansari, who used to own 110 looms, without a source of income.

Despite the uncertain future of the industry, some loom owners are considering modernizing their equipment with loans, while others, like Sattar, are choosing to stay in the profession they know best. However, Sattar is clear about one thing – he does not want his son to follow in his footsteps.

As Bhiwandi, located near Mumbai, grapples with the decline of its power loom industry, the future of the roughly 300,000 looms still in operation remains uncertain. The once-thriving industry, which was once the second largest employer after farming, is now struggling to survive in the face of changing market dynamics.
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