Politicians Profit from Exploitation in India's Sugar Industry

Abusive practices in Maharashtra’s sugar fields, often ignored due to political connections, include coerced hysterectomies and child labor. Politicians profit from these mills, raising concerns about accountability.

In Maharashtra, western India, sugar industry abuses like debt bondage, child labor, and coerced hysterectomies are rampant. Despite a report by state lawmaker Neelam Gorhe, which highlighted unnecessary hysterectomies among female workers, political inaction prevails. Gorhe's findings, presented to health officials and colleagues, aimed to spur regulations ensuring worker safety and rights. However, no legislative action followed, with many lawmakers indifferent to the reported abuses. The state’s sugar industry remains under the control of political elites, selling to major brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

Investigations reveal that numerous mill leaders hold positions as current lawmakers, with affiliations across various political parties, including the Indian National Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party. This political entanglement results in a lack of accountability, as those capable of enacting protective measures are often financially benefiting from the exploitation. The pervasive political ties to sugar mills stifle attempts to reform and protect vulnerable workers from ongoing exploitation.