ISAS Working Papers

This paper investigates the impact of trade liberalisation and industrial restructuring on labour in India's textile and apparel industry. India has liberalised its trade policy and industrial regulations since 1991. This reform process has had industry-specific features that are often overlooked. They are particularly striking as in the case the textile and apparel industry. This industry, by its sheer size, in terms of employment, had always occupied an important place in the state policy that shaped its structure and in turn its performance over the years. What are the salient features of reform policies with respect to the textile and apparel industry? What are the features of the 'restructuring' that has taken place in the reform years? How this restructuring has impacted the local labour markets? What types of jobs have been created? Which segment of the textiles and apparel industry have prospered and benefited workers at the same time?