Maha Kumbh fuels demand for Panipat blankets

The Maha Kumbh at Prayag Raj in Uttar Pradesh has proved to be a money-spinner for the blanket industry here this season, which witnessed over 20 per cent rise in business.

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The industry received huge orders from traders for the Kumbh city set up in tents there.

The industry, which was badly hit due to a drop in demand over the past three years, ran on full capacity this season, with migrant labourers working round the clock.

Every day, about 3,000 tonne of blankets are manufactured in Panipat. Thousands of labourers are working in 125 mink blanket manufacturing units, 30 polar blankets units and 12 Flano blanket units.

Ram Pratap Gupta, secretary, vice-president, Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and secretary, Mink Blanket Manufacturers’ Association, said the units were running on full capacity and the orders had increased due to Maha Kumbh.

Though it was tough to calculate, over 20 per cent hike in orders had been recorded this season, he said, adding that the orders for Maha Kumbh were completed in November and December.

Labour-driven growth

Widely known as ‘Textile City’, Panipat owes much of its global success to the hard work of nearly five lakh migrant labourers. With an annual turnover of Rs 55,000 crore, the textile sector is a key player in both domestic (Rs 40,000 crore) and export markets (Rs 15,000 crore).

The city is home to around 20,000 small and large textile units, including 6,000 registered factories, employing around four lakh workers directly or indirectly. A wide range of handloom and textile products, including blankets, bed sheets, curtains and carpets, are exported to Europe, the US, Japan, Australia and the UK.

The industry relies heavily on skilled workers, primarily from UP, Bihar and West Bengal.

Lalit Goyal, president of Handloom Export Product Council, and the Panipat Exporters’ Association, acknowledged that nearly 100% of the industry ran on migrant labour, with over one lakh workers employed in export houses alone. "Without these skilled labourers, the industry would collapse," he said.

Vinod Dhamija, chairman of the Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Panipat Chapter, reinforced this, stating that 90% of the workforce hails from eastern UP, Bihar and West Bengal, with the remaining from Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, MP and western UP. He said workers had boosted the local economy, with many living in rented houses or even purchasing plots.

Housing & social security

Despite their immense contribution, many labourers struggle with poor working and living conditions. Sunil Dutt, a CITU state committee member, alleged that many units operated without proper registration, making worker safety and rights a major concern. Many factories lacked fire exits, sanitation, ventilation and proper safety equipment.

“Around 20-25 workers die annually due to fires or workplace accidents and several more suffer disabilities,” he claimed, citing a survey by CITU. Additionally, due to the lack of dedicated housing, workers were forced to live in cramped colonies.

ESIC support & worker welfare

Despite these issues, efforts are being made to provide healthcare and financial support. Yashpal Singh, Branch Manager of ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation), said 1,13,774 insured persons were registered in Panipat. The ESIC ran a hospital and three dispensaries to provide medical aid. The corporation also offered financial benefits, including accident compensation, maternity benefits and disability pensions.

The road ahead

While Panipat’s textile empire thrives on migrant labour, addressing worker safety, housing and social security remains crucial. Ensuring better working conditions and fair treatment will uplift the workforce and strengthen the industry.