Textile shops sit on govt diktat, chair still a dream for salespersons

IN the run-up to Deepavali, the big textile outlets in the city are decorated with lights, attracting a large number of people from the central region of Tamil Nadu. Silk sarees shimmer, intricate fabrics dazzle, and shoppers revel in festive mode. Yet, amidst this kaleidoscope of colours a haunting truth remains out of sight. Behind every meticulously arranged shelf and elegantly dressed mannequin stands a salesperson, their body crying out in silence. Hours of compulsory standing have taken their toll, leaving legs swollen, backs aching and spirits weary.

- PEARSON LENEKAR SR

These are salespersons at textile shops in Tiruchy enduring a silent torment despite a Government Order (G.O.) that mandates seating arrangements for workers in shops. Yet, for these workers, that basic dignity remains out of reach.

It was not easy to find a person to know their grievances as they don't have an association to voice out for them. Anjali (name changed), a 35-year-old from Pettavaithalai who works in one of Tiruchy's oldest textile outlets, shares her ordeal. “From when I step into the store at 9 am until I leave at 9 pm, I am on my feet. We sit during the half-an-hour lunch break and luckily when we are allotted work to paste stickers on dresses,” she said.