Watch | The daily struggles of Maharashtra’s sugar-belt workers
The Hindu
A video on the daily lives of Maharashtra’s sugar-belt workers, who work in harsh work and weather conditions.
For decades, about 12 lakh to 15 lakh people have been migrating within Maharashtra to cut sugarcane. They travel from the drought-affected Marathwada to western Maharashtra’s Sangli, Kolhapur, Pune, Satara, Solapur, and Ahmednagar. These areas are also known as the sugar belt.
Here, they work in the sugarcane fields under harsh work and weather conditions. They are paid no more than ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 PER PAIR for about 150 days of work. But these seasonal workers also face severe exploitation by their contractors, also known as mukadams.
Who are Mukadams?
The mukadamis a man with political influence. The more powerful he is, the more sub-contractors he has. Once farmers – who own the land – ready the sugarcane for harvest, mukadams take over.
Sugar factories hire them, and they in turn hire labour, making arrangements for their transport and stay. These middlemen are paid by the sugar factory and pocket at least 30% of what is earned.
What are the working conditions?
The groups of workers, also known as tolis, either stay on the sugar factory premises or in the sugarcane fields. The children do not go to school and help their parents bundle the cane.
Abhishek Banerjee challenges BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram, pledging community health initiatives if Trinamool Congress wins.
Rising LPG shortages in Karnataka boost firewood demand, reviving an informal market as households and hotels seek alternatives.
Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night
Fadnavis claims zero FIR in Ajit Pawar crash is a defamation attempt by Karnataka against Maharashtra's investigation efforts.
Set to unfold as a one-day pop-up on April 5, the Easter Sadya brings together both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, offering a peek into the food traditions of the Syrian Christian (Nasrani) community. While the traditional Sadya is often associated with dishes such as sambar, avial, and rice, this version expands to include community-specific festive dishes.
BJP nominates mother of R.G. Kar victim Abhaya to contest from Panihati in West Bengal Assembly elections.
Veteran Malayalam actor-director E.A. Rajendran passes away at 71, leaving behind a rich legacy in the film industry.
Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has rolled out digital mode of water bill generation and collection in 23 gram panchayats on a pilot basis for the first time in Karnataka. This is set to be extended to the remaining 200 panchayats shortly, according to the Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbhari.
Bengaluru police questioned a man carrying ₹6 lakh for medical expenses at Vidhana Soudha, later releasing him after verification.
BJP accuses Bengaluru's Congress government of corruption in e-Khata issuance, halting infrastructure projects due to financial mismanagement.
Misinformation in Hyderabad sparks panic buying, causing disruptions as residents react to unfounded rumors of an impending lockdown.
Bengaluru Metro extends services until 2 a.m. on March 28 for IPL match, ensuring convenient travel for spectators.
A bus truck-collision in Andhra Pradesh's Markapuram district, killing several. Catch LIVE updates here!