THE ROLE OF INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN ACHIEVING INCLUSIVE GROWTH: A SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF BIADA, MUZAFFARPUR

Labour force productivity is a cornerstone of economic growth and societal development, serving as a driving force behind innovation and progress. In India, the vast and diverse workforce plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation's economy, signicantly contributing to GDP across primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. Economic growth, in turn, enhances workers' earnings, consumption, and overall economic activity. This study examines the socioeconomic conditions of industrial workers in the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority(BIADA) region of Muzaffarpur, Bihar, focusing on factors inuencing wages and challenges related to working conditions. The study is based on primary data (conducted in 2024) which constitutes observation, interview and questionnaires collected from the labours, managers and owner of different industries running under BIADA. The paperis structured into four sections. The socio-economic aspects of industrial workers of India are examined in the rst section. The study's methodology and indicator selection within the survey area are described in depth in the second part. Cross-tabulated results are presented in the third section, providing insight into the living standards, income levels, and workplace difculties of industrial workers. The fourth segment concludes with policy ideas to enhance industrial workers' quality of life and guarantee their holistic development. By addressing these aspects, the study aims to contribute to the discourse on labour welfare and its role in driving economic progress in India, with a particular focus on the underexplored BIADA region in Muzaffarpur.