Before Diwali, Fix Our Wages And Jobs: Gujarat Workers Issue Ultimatum To Government, Warn Of Statewide Agitation

Over 2.7 crore workers in Gujarat are facing mounting pressure from rising inflation, alleged wage violations, excessive working hours and growing job insecurity, with trade unions and workers’ organisations warning of an intensified statewide agitation if their grievances are not resolved before Diwali.

The ultimatum comes amid concerns over employment losses, the expansion of contractual jobs and the financial distress of workers, including Anganwadi and ASHA staff. Workers’ organisations have warned that for millions of families, making ends meet has become a struggle, leaving little room to celebrate the festival.

Contractual Jobs Rise As Permanent Employment Shrinks

Figures cited in the account highlight the scale of Gujarat’s workforce and the growing dependence on contractual and outsourced employment.

Of the state’s 2.7 crore workers, around 1.18 crore are employed in the unorganised sector. Gujarat’s 47,762 registered factories employ approximately 24 lakh people, while the number of workers employed in unregistered factories is reported to be significantly higher.

Industrial estates are estimated to employ 30–40 lakh migrant workers, many of whom reportedly work under difficult conditions.

The number of fixed-pay employees rose from around two lakh in 2018 to 3.5 lakh in 2025. Government contractual, outsourced and ad-hoc employment also increased from six lakh in 2022 to 6.5 lakh in 2025.

In contrast, the number of permanent government employees has reportedly declined by approximately 30%.

The state’s agricultural workforce has reached an estimated 75 lakh workers, adding to the scale of employment and livelihood concerns.

Anganwadi And ASHA Workers Struggle On Meagre Wages

The concerns extend beyond industrial and agricultural labourers to workers engaged in public services.

According to the figures provided, Gujarat has 5,20,540 Anganwadi workers and 47,817 helpers, alongside approximately 44,000 ASHA workers and facilitators.

These workers are involved in delivering essential services but are facing concerns over low remuneration and the rising cost of living.

Trade unions have argued that the financial pressure on these groups has made it increasingly difficult for workers to meet household expenses, particularly ahead of Diwali.

Alleged Minimum Wage Violations And 12-Hour Shifts

Workers’ organisations have alleged widespread violations of minimum-wage requirements, claiming that employers are disregarding statutory protections.

They have also raised concerns over workers being made to work for up to 12 hours a day instead of the standard eight-hour shift, without receiving wages corresponding even to a full eight hours.

The allegations point to concerns over working conditions, wage payments and enforcement of labour protections across parts of the state’s workforce.

With inflation continuing to strain household budgets, workers’ representatives have warned that low wages and excessive working hours are worsening the financial hardship faced by labourers and their families.

Power Cuts, Gas Shortages Add To Employment Concerns

Workers are also facing uncertainty amid reported power cuts, gas shortages and an economic slowdown affecting industrial activity.

The resulting pressure on businesses has raised fears about jobs, while some workers have reportedly already lost their employment. Migrant labourers are also returning to their home states in significant numbers, according to the account.

For workers already struggling with rising prices and limited earnings, the prospect of losing employment has added to concerns about household security.

Government Faces Diwali Deadline

Trade unions and workers’ organisations have warned that the government must address workers’ grievances before Diwali or face an intensified statewide agitation.

Their concerns include wage-related grievances, working hours, employment security and the conditions faced by contractual, unorganised and public-service workers.

The warning signals growing discontent among sections of Gujarat’s workforce, with workers’ organisations maintaining that the failure to address their demands could trigger a wider confrontation.

For millions of workers and their families, the immediate concern is not simply celebrating Diwali but securing enough income to meet everyday expenses. The government now faces a deadline to respond to their demands before the festival.