Industry breathes sigh of relief post-Chhath but Bihar elections keep labour concerns alive

With the Chhath Puja celebrations over, city industrialists are breathing a sigh of relief. Traditionally, migrant workers from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh return to their native places during Diwali and Chhath Puja, causing disruptions in factory operations. This year, many stayed back — thanks to incentives, bonuses and in-factory celebrations — ensuring production lines remained largely intact.

However, the relief is short-lived. With the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled next month, factory owners fear a second wave of absenteeism as workers plan to return home to vote.

“This year, around 35–40 per cent of the labour force went back, which is slightly higher than usual,” said Badish Jindal, president of the World MSME Forum.

“But now that the Chhath is over, we don’t expect many more to leave. The industry’s efforts to retain workers have paid off,” he said.

To prevent mass departures, industrialists across Ludhiana offered a range of incentives — bonuses, gift hampers and even personalised gift options. Some units organised Chhath Puja rituals on factory premises, complete with prasad and water tanks, allowing workers to celebrate without travelling.

“I gave my workers the option to choose from four different gifts. They were thrilled,” said Vijay Kansal, a small-scale cycle parts manufacturer. Only three workers went home. I’m relieved that the festival is over but I still can’t sit calmly as the elections are approaching and the fear of absenteeism still looms.”

Sanju Dhir, Chairman of the Ludhiana Woolen Manufacturers Association, called the twin events a “double whammy.”

“Chhath Puja and elections have hit us hard. Around 50–60 per cent of our labour force has already returned to their native places and more are expected to leave in coming days. Many stayed back due to incentives but I’m sure they’ll head home soon to cast their vote,” he said.

For migrant workers, the decision to stay or leave is often a tug-of-war between duty and tradition. Employers push to continue work while families and political parties back home demand participation in celebrations and the democratic process.

“My owner insisted I stay back to complete an urgent order,” said Ramesh Yadav, a factory worker from Samastipur, Bihar.

“I agreed, but now, I plan to leave in a few days. My constituency votes on November 11, and I want to be there,” he said.

While industry leaders remain hopeful that the worst is over, they acknowledge that the possibility of further absenteeism of workers could not be ruled out. For now, city factories are running — but with fingers crossed.