Surat News: Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh in Surat on October 9 and met representatives of the city’s textile industry amid concerns over rising yarn prices, workers’ conditions and the movement of migrant labourers. He also responded to opposition demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, making strong remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
According to a report by Gujarati Jagran, Singh said the impact of the Gulf conflict had been felt across the world and promised to examine the reasons behind the increase in yarn prices.
Yarn Prices Rise: Textile Minister Promises Investigation
Surat’s textile industry has been facing concerns over rising yarn costs, which can increase production expenses for manufacturers and weaving units. During Giriraj Singh in Surat acknowledged the wider impact of the Gulf conflict and said he would investigate the reasons behind the increase in yarn prices.
The issue is significant for Surat, one of India’s major textile manufacturing hubs, where yarn costs directly affect weaving, fabric production and the operating expenses of textile businesses. Industry representatives are seeking measures that can help textile units manage costs and remain competitive.
Giriraj Singh Responds to Demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
The Union Minister Giriraj Singh in Surat, also addressed the political controversy surrounding demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign. Responding to the demand, Singh questioned why Kumar should resign and challenged Rahul Gandhi to resign from the Lok Sabha first if he believed something was improper or unreasonable.
His remarks came amid protests by opposition parties demanding Kumar’s resignation over allegations concerning voter-list revisions. The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected allegations of wrongdoing, according to Reuters reporting on the protests.
Migrant Workers Leaving Surat? Minister Rejects the ‘Migration’ Narrative
The reported movement of workers from Surat to their hometowns has also become a topic of discussion. Singh argued that the term “migration” was being used to create a political narrative. He said workers choosing to return to their villages because they believed better employment opportunities were available there should not automatically be described as distress-driven migration.
He also claimed that employment opportunities had increased in several states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. However, the minister’s remarks represent his assessment of the situation. The actual scale of workers leaving Surat and the reasons behind their decisions require independent data and verification.
12-Hour Shifts and Weekly Holidays: What Did the Minister Say?
Questions were also raised about labour conditions in Surat’s textile industry, including allegations that some workers do not receive weekly holidays, face dismissal when requesting leave, or work shifts lasting 12 hours.
In response, Singh emphasised the need for a cooperative relationship between mill owners and workers. He described employers and employees as two sides of the same coin and said both should treat each other like family. He added that he would address these concerns further, but the report did not provide a detailed policy announcement or a specific timeline for resolving the issues.
What the Minister’s Visit Means for Surat’s Textile Industry
The minister’s visit brought several important issues facing Surat’s textile sector into focus:
- Rising yarn prices: The minister said he would examine the reasons behind the increase.
- Workers’ welfare: Questions remain about weekly holidays, working hours and leave-related concerns.
- Migrant labour: The reasons behind workers returning to their hometowns need closer examination.
- Political controversy: Singh defended the Chief Election Commissioner against opposition demands for resignation.
For Surat’s textile businesses and workforce, the key question is whether discussions will lead to concrete steps on production costs, labour conditions and employment stability.
Also read, Best Garba & Pre-Navratri Locations in Surat 2026
Watch Latest News Videos on KRH News: Click Here