The jeans industry, often referred to as the denim hub of Bellary, is facing a severe crisis. The rising costs of raw materials, import-export challenges, and a lack of consistent electricity supply have made life exceedingly difficult for both business owners and workers in the industry. Due to frequent power outages, the daily income of the labor force, which typically earns around 300 rupees per day, has taken a significant hit, leaving jeans workers in a state of distress.
The problem of irregular load shedding isn’t limited to just affecting the working class; it’s also causing distress to consumers and entrepreneurs. Small-scale industries are also grappling with the consequences of inconsistent power supply. The unpredictability of power outages has blindsided everyone, directly and indirectly. In Bellary, an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 families rely on the jeans industry for their livelihoods, with thousands of individuals working in various aspects of denim production daily. Nevertheless, due to the erratic electricity supply, many are left without work.
Workers arrive at their workplaces uncertain of when the power will go out and when it will be restored, resulting in idle hours during which they cannot earn. Moreover, these workers do not receive fixed salaries; their income is based on the number of pairs of jeans they sew each day. They typically earn between 300 to 400 rupees daily, depending on their productivity. However, the sudden loss of electricity for two to three hours can lead to a significant reduction in their daily earnings, which the business owners have to contend with.
Bellary, renowned for its jeans industry, now witnesses the despair of both business owners and workers who have relied on it for their livelihoods. They are grappling with the challenge of making ends meet in the face of daily power cuts that last for five to six hours. The workers emphasize that rather than investing in a new project like the proposed 5,000-crore rupee jeans park in Bellary, the government’s priority should be to ensure a consistent supply of electricity.
Amidst the government’s commitment to various initiatives, it’s evident that power management remains a stumbling block. The irregular electricity supply is not only impacting farmers but also causing significant hurdles for small entrepreneurs. Hence, it is imperative for the government to address this issue and safeguard the interests of both farmers and entrepreneurs.