Working in India’s Textile Mills and the Sumangali Scheme

Indian textile mills increasingly rely on young women and girls. Many workers sign contracts known as the Sumangali scheme. The mills withhold part of their paycheck and then give them a lump sum later. But if the workers leave they lose all of the money.

Global Politics

Chitradavi (Photo: Michael May)

Indian textile mills increasingly rely on young women and girls for labor.

Many of the young female workers sign contracts known as the Sumangali scheme.

The mills withhold part of their paychecks and then give them a lump sum for a dowry four years later.

But if the workers leave before the four years are up, they lose all of the money. Michael May has the story.