In the cotton-growing textile region of Salem, Mettur and Erode, hundreds of women members trained in tailoring do job work for agents who supply the thriving readymade textile market. The products they make range from towels, handkerchiefs and petticoats to shirts and trousers.

Typically, the agent drops off raw cut pieces in bulk at the members’ doorstep. The members make them up to specifications. The agent comes around periodically to collect the finished goods.

Payment to the SHG members is made once a week. The members earn between Rs.30 to Rs.100 for a day’s work. For example, the labour charge for kerchiefs is 15p apiece. The members make as many as 200 pieces or Rs.30 a day.

Skilled tailors who make about ten shirts a day charge Rs.10 apiece and earn Rs.100 daily. Their work is supervised by a representative of the agent who supplies retail markets in India, and to exporters in the Middle East, Malaysia and beyond.


Note: Figures quoted are approximations and liable to change

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