Assessing decent work status among workers in the textile industry: a study of major states of India

Abstract This study examines the quality of employment in India's textile sector from a multidimensional perspective. The study uses the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24 to construct a composite Decent Work Index (DWI) that comprises indicators related to employment status, access to opportunities, and social protection. The evaluation of nine major textile-producing states uncovers significant regional variation. No state achieves adequate levels of decent work, particularly in terms of social security provisions. Findings highlight that factors such as education, skills training, and formal employment arrangements significantly influence decent work outcomes. In contrast, informal job structures, the lack of contracts, and low technical education negatively impact decent work status. The study also provides state-specific policy suggestions based on each state's performance level. These suggestions include reforms in skilling, formalization, and targeted welfare delivery for the states seeking to enhance employment quality in one of India's most labor-intensive sectors.