Workers employed in Surat’s textile factories are returning home in large numbers after being pushed to the brink by denial of leave and forced into 12-hour workdays. The exodus has taken the form of a ‘Gaon Chalo’ movement, with growing numbers of workers crowding railway stations to return to their villages. A large number of those returning are from Bihar.
In a statement issued by CPI(ML) Liberation Bihar State Secretary Kunal on October 12, 2026 expressed concern over reports of the large-scale return of workers from Surat, that workers fleeing factory owners’ harassment was an extremely serious matter. It exposes the appalling conditions facing workers across the country, the mounting attacks on their rights and the deepening employment crisis.
He said the Central Government must immediately intervene to stop factory owners from harassing workers, ensure the protection of their labour rights and take strict action against those responsible. Workers are the backbone of the country’s economy, yet instead of dignified working conditions, fair wages and security, they are being subjected to exploitation and insecurity.
Kunal said the four Labour Codes introduced by the Central Government have given capitalists and corporate houses greater leeway to attack workers’ rights. These anti-worker codes are weakening labour rights won through struggles and undermining workers’ ability to organise and defend their interests. CPI(ML) Liberation demands the withdrawal of all four Labour Codes and the protection of workers’ hard-won rights.
He also called on the Bihar Government to take immediate action regarding the workers returning from Surat. The government must assess their situation, address their problems and ensure arrangements for employment, livelihoods and social security. Workers from Bihar are forced to migrate to other states in search of livelihoods, only to face humiliation, exploitation and insecurity. This also exposes the grave lack of adequate employment opportunities in Bihar.
Kunal said the Bihar Government must formulate a concrete plan to generate stable employment in agriculture, industry and other sectors so that workers are not forced to migrate for survival. Protecting migrant workers’ rights, ensuring access to employment and securing a dignified life for them are the government’s responsibilities.
