Comment on NYT article. Why Politicians Ignore Abuses in India’s Sugar Industry: They Run It
In Maharashtra, India, systemic abuses in the sugar industry, such as debt bondage, child labor, and coerced hysterectomies, are rampant. Neelam Gorhe, a state lawmaker, highlighted the alarming rate of unnecessary hysterectomies among female workers, calling for improved working conditions. Despite this, most politicians ignored her findings, and the abusive practices continue unchecked.The underlying issue is a conflict of interest: the state's sugar industry is heavily controlled by politicians. A New York Times and Fuller Project investigation found that many of the sugar mills are run by lawmakers, including state and national politicians from various parties. These leaders, who could help protect workers, instead profit from the exploitation, making it difficult to enforce labor laws.
For decades, sugar mills in Maharashtra have relied on contractors to recruit migrant workers, leaving laborers trapped in debt. Workers, many of whom are pushed into early marriages, are often pressured to undergo hysterectomies to avoid interruptions in their labor due to menstrual issues. Politicians like Dhananjay Munde and Balasaheb Thorat, who have close ties to the mills, downplay or deny these abuses, while former sugar regulator Shekhar Gaikwad admits that enforcing labor rules means challenging the political elite.
Even international brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsico buy sugar from these mills, fueling demand while turning a blind eye to labor violations. Until political leaders and the global market are held accountable, the abuses in Maharashtra’s sugar industry will persist.
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