Thousands of garment workers, particularly women, have been forced to migrate to Bengaluru in Karnataka state and live in makeshift tin roof houses after successive governments in the state failed to fulfil their promises to establish textile parks in Pamidi, Dharmavaram, and Hindupur, which would have created jobs for local weavers in the district. The region has a high potential for development as a textile centre, as well as improved job opportunities.
The much-promised textile park in Undegolam is yet to make headway and officials say that land issues for the park are delaying its establishment. Weavers are demanding that all 54 units be set up on a fast-track basis. When 54 units are set up, the industry provides jobs for 6,000 locals. Each unit needs to employ 85 tailors, 15 helpers, 5 supervisors and other unskilled workers.
