Assam Assembly Elections 2026: Sualkuchi’s Muga Silk weavers struggle for survival

Women muga silk weavers in Sualkuchi, Assam's famous silk hub, are fighting to maintain a centuries-old craft in the face of increasing pressure.

Their profits have drastically decreased due to rising input costs and fierce market competition. Even though many women put in nearly ten hours a day at work, their pay hardly covers their expenses.

According to Mira Das, Weaver, "I have been working here since 20 years...There are several traditional weaving tools here. It takes at least a week to complete a pair of clothes"

The lengthy and physically taxing workday is divided between long morning and evening shifts, leaving little time for family time or relaxation.

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Meanwhile, another Weaver Junu Rai says, "We are busy for the entire day. We sit for 5 hours in the morning. Then we take a lunch break and sit for another 5 hours in the evening. We work till 10 pm every day. This is not easy to run a house like this. I have other family members to support."

From harvesting cocoons to extracting fine silk threads, the labour-intensive process allows no margin for error. Weavers say soaring raw material costs and low wages have made survival increasingly difficult.

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They also say they have received no government assistance to cushion these hardships.

"We have not received benefits under any government scheme or financial assistance. We will be happy if the government helps us..’’, says Nilima Kalita, a Weaver:

Korobi Das, Weaver: "We have not received any kind of government assistance as weavers. There is no financial assistance or benefit of any scheme. We urge the government to look after the weavers of the state."

With election season approaching, the weavers say their support will go to candidates who commit to protecting their livelihoods. As tradition and survival hang by a thread, they hope for meaningful intervention and a more secure future.

Elections to the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held later this year.