Iran war forces job losses, reverse migration in India’s ceramic hub | US-Israel war on Iran News
Ceramics Factory Shutdown in Morbi Leaves Workers Displaced Amid Global Crisis
Morbi, India — After seven years of employment at a ceramics factory in western India, Pradeep Kumar was laid off on March 15, the result of geopolitical turmoil rather than any fault of his own or his employer. The factory in Morbi, reliant on propane and natural gas for production, ceased operations following the outbreak of conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has instigated a global fuel crisis.
Kumar, 29, was one of many affected by the factory’s closure, which is part of an industry employing over 400,000 individuals, predominantly migrants from economically challenged states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The shutdown has forced approximately 450 out of 600 ceramics companies in Morbi to halt production, impacting thousands of families.
Morbi is a critical hub for India’s ceramics industry, which produces roughly 80% of the country’s tiles, toilets, bathtubs, and wash basins. The ongoing standoff in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for gas imports, has exacerbated the situation. As fighting continues, the availability of raw materials has dwindled, leaving many manufacturers unable to resume operations.
Manoj Arvadiya, president of the Morbi Ceramic Manufacturers Association, indicated that only about 100 operational units have resumed production, significantly impacting around 200,000 workers. Many have returned to their home states, echoing the mass migration seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“About 25 percent of Morbi’s ceramics are exported, mainly to countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, but exports are now delayed or completely halted,” Arvadiya said.
Kumar, who has taken his family back to their village in Uttar Pradesh, expressed apprehension about reemployment. “We don’t want to suffer like we did during the pandemic,” he said, reflecting on the difficult journeys faced by countless migrant workers during past crises.
The industry downturn is accompanied by health concerns. Ankur Singh, another displaced worker, reported that he returned home with silicosis, an incurable lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. Experts like Chirag Chavda, a labor rights activist, underscore that health issues, such as silicosis, are prevalent among Morbi workers due to poor safety standards in many factories.
Companies frequently do not provide sufficient documentation to workers, leaving them vulnerable and without legal recourse for labor rights. Many workers lack proof of employment, hindering access to social security benefits.
As the situation continues to evolve, some migrants, like Sushma Devi, remain in Morbi, reliant on their employers for shelter and sustenance.
“There are a few of us staying here because we wanted to avoid travel costs,” she said while gathering firewood for cooking.
As Kumar navigates this uncertainty, he worries about depleting his savings while seeking daily wage labor. “Initially, we lived off our savings. But repairs to our home have forced us to borrow money, and we are unsure when we can repay it,” he explained, indicating the precarious nature of employment in the region.
With no immediate resolution in sight, Kumar and countless others in Morbi face an uncertain future.
