By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Wednesday, January 28, 2026
AGARTALA: Seeking immediate intervention regarding their long-standing financial grievances, the Tripura Silk Industry Reeler and Twister Workers’ Association today submitted a formal deputation to the Director of Handloom, Handicrafts, and Sericulture, Government of Tripura. The workers, who form the backbone of the state’s indigenous silk processing units, have called for an urgent revision of their wages and allowances.
The Plight of the “Invisible” Workforce
The association highlighted that approximately 55 workers across the state are currently engaged in the specialized tasks of reeling and twisting silk. Despite the technical nature of their work and their contribution to the high-quality silk produced in clusters like Badharghat, the workers alleged that their current compensation is insufficient to meet the rising cost of living.
“We are a small but vital group of artisans. While the state celebrates the success of ‘Tripura Silk’ on national platforms, the hands that reel and twist that silk are struggling for survival. Our pay has not kept pace with inflation or the 8th Pay Commission discussions happening for other sectors,” a senior member of the association stated during the deputation.
Key Demands Outlined in the Deputation:
- Salary Revision: An immediate hike in the basic pay and daily wages for both regular and contractual reelers and twisters.
- Arrear Payments: Settlement of any outstanding dues related to previous increments.
- Social Security: Implementation of better health insurance and provident fund benefits, given the physical toll of working in silk processing units.
- Modernization Support: Training and equipment upgrades to ensure the safety and efficiency of the workers.
Director’s Assurance
The delegation met with the Director at the department’s headquarters in Agartala. The official reportedly listened to the representatives’ concerns and acknowledged the critical role they play in the sericulture value chain. The Director assured the association that the department would examine their demands and forward a proposal to the Department of Industries and Commerce for budgetary consideration.
State of Sericulture in Tripura
Tripura has seen a steady growth in mulberry silk production, with the government pushing for “Soil to Silk” self-sufficiency. However, the association warned that if the welfare of the skilled workers—specifically the reelers and twisters—is ignored, the industry could face a labor shortage as the younger generation might shy away from the craft due to low financial incentives.
The association has warned that if no concrete steps are taken by the department within a reasonable timeframe, they will be forced to organize a larger democratic protest to secure their rights.
