In the quiet village of Bhagirathpur in Bihar’s Samastipur district, evenings used to have a rhythm. The sound of birds returning home mixed with something stronger—the loud siren of the Rameshwar Jute Mill. That siren was not just a sound; it was the heartbeat of the village. It marked time, work, and life. It told people when a shift began and when it ended. It reminded families that their livelihoods were secure.
Today, that siren is silent.
The closure of the Rameshwar Jute Mill in November 2025 has not just stopped a factory; it has disrupted an entire way of life. Thousands of workers have been affected, families have lost income, and a once-thriving industrial centre has turned into a place of uncertainty and struggle.
This article tells the story of that change—of the workers, the decline of the jute industry, the economic and social impact, and the ongoing fight for survival and justice. It is not just a story of one mill; it is a story of many such industrial declines across India.
A Village Built Around a Mill:
Bhagirathpur village, often called Bhagirathi by locals, grew around the Rameshwar Jute Mill. Located near Muktapur railway station, the village has a population of around 10,000 people. For decades, almost every family depended directly or indirectly on the mill.
The mill was not just a workplace; it was the center of life. It provided employment, income, and identity to thousands of people. The daily routine of the village was shaped by the mill’s schedule. The siren rang three times a day, signaling the shifts. People planned their meals, sleep, and social life around it.
For many families, working in the mill was a tradition passed from one generation to another. Fathers worked there, then their sons joined. The mill created a sense of stability and belonging.
However, with the closure of the mill, this entire system has collapsed. The silence of the siren now reflects the uncertainty and struggle of the people.
Decline of Workforce and Production
Naushad Alam, a 53-year-old leader of the Rameshwar Jute Mill Mazdoor Union, describes the gradual decline. Around 15 to 20 years ago, nearly 5,000 workers were employed in the mill. Over time, this number reduced to about 1,200.
The reduction did not happen suddenly. It was a slow and continuous process. Workers were retrenched year after year. The number of working shifts was reduced from three to two. This meant fewer working hours and fewer job opportunities.
Production also declined significantly. Until 2014, the mill produced around 80 tons of jute bags daily. However, even though the capacity remained the same, actual production dropped to nearly half.
This decline reflects deeper problems in the jute industry, including reduced demand and outdated production systems.
Changing Market and Decline of Jute Industry
One of the major reasons for the decline of the mill is the changing market demand. Over the past two decades, plastic packaging has replaced jute in many industries. Plastic is cheaper, lighter, and more easily available.
As a result, the demand for jute bags has decreased. Although the government mandates the use of jute bags under the Jute Packaging Material Act, the actual demand has not been strong enough to sustain all mills.
Jute production itself has also declined. According to official reports, production dropped from 106 lakh bales in 2014 to 84 lakh bales in 2024. This shortage of raw material has further affected mills.
Additionally, many jute mills still use old and outdated machinery. This reduces efficiency and increases costs, making it difficult to compete with modern industries.
All these factors together have weakened the jute sector, leading to closures and job losses.
Corruption, Mismanagement, and Internal Conflicts
Apart from market challenges, internal issues have also contributed to the closure of the Rameshwar Jute Mill. According to union leader Naushad Alam, corruption played a major role.
He claims that a manager ran away with large amounts of raw jute worth crores of rupees. Additionally, the company, Winsome International Limited, defaulted on a loan of 24 crore rupees.
However, not everyone agrees with this version. Some workers accuse Alam himself of controlling the union and not holding elections for several years. They claim there is a lack of transparency and accountability.
This internal conflict has weakened the unity of workers. Instead of working together, different groups have formed separate unions. One such group is the Rameshwar Jute Mill Sangharsh Samiti, which has been actively raising demands.
These divisions have made it more difficult to fight for workers’ rights and find a solution.
Worker's Demands and Ongoing Struggles
The closure of the mill has left workers in a difficult situation. Many have not received their pending wages, provident fund (PF), and other benefits. Workers are demanding the reopening of the mill, payment of dues, and fair wages.
One of the main demands is a daily wage of ₹660, which is in line with government rules for highly skilled workers. However, workers claim they were paid much less, around ₹400 per day.
Workers have filed complaints with labor authorities and taken legal action. Cases are pending in courts, and officials have promised that dues will be cleared once the mill reopens.
Despite these efforts, there has been little progress. Many workers are losing hope as their financial situation worsens.
Impact on Families and Local Economy
The closure of the mill has deeply affected the lives of workers and their families. Many households that once had stable incomes are now struggling to meet basic needs.
For example, Suresh Paswan, an 80-year-old retired worker, now runs a small roadside shop selling snacks. He used to receive a pension, but payments stopped when the mill closed. He is still waiting for more than ₹5 lakh in dues.
Similarly, Sunita Devi shares how her husband lost his job after the closure. He now works in another city, leaving the family behind. Life has become uncertain and difficult.
The local economy has also suffered. Small businesses that depended on mill workers, such as shops and food stalls, have seen a decline in customers.
The overall impact is not just economic but also emotional. People feel a loss of identity and security.
Migration and Search for Alternative Work
With the loss of jobs, many workers have been forced to look for alternative employment. Some have migrated to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata in search of work.
However, finding stable jobs is not easy. Many workers end up doing unskilled or low-paying work, even though they have years of experience in the mill.
Some have retrained themselves as plumbers, painters, or daily laborers. While this helps them survive, it is not equal to their previous earnings or job security.
Migration also affects families. Workers have to live away from their homes, and families are separated for long periods.
Government Role and Need for Support
Workers have approached local leaders and government officials for help. Some issues have been raised in the Bihar Vidhan Sabha, but there has been no concrete solution yet.
The government has a responsibility to protect workers and support industries. Policies like the Jute Packaging Material Act aim to promote the use of jute, but more effective implementation is needed.
There is also a need for modernization of mills, better management, and financial support to revive the industry.
Globalisation A Symbol of Larger Industrial Challenges
The story of the Rameshwar Jute Mill is not an isolated case. Many traditional industries in India are facing similar challenges due to modernization, g, and changing market demands.
Factories that once supported entire communities are now closing, leaving workers unemployed. This highlights the need for balanced development that protects both industries and workers.
The silent siren of the mill is a symbol of this larger issue. It reminds us of the importance of sustainable industrial growth and worker welfare.
The closure of the Rameshwar Jute Mill has changed the lives of thousands of people in Samastipur. What was once a symbol of growth and stability has now become a sign of struggle and uncertainty.
This story shows how economic changes, mismanagement, and lack of support can destroy livelihoods. It also highlights the strength and resilience of workers who continue to fight for their rights.
The silent siren is not just the end of a factory’s operation; it is a call for attention. It reminds us that behind every industry are real people, real families, and real lives.
To build a better future, it is important to learn from such situations and take steps to support workers, revive industries, and ensure that development benefits everyone.
References:
- Field Report and News Coverage on Rameshwar Jute Mill
- Ministry of Agriculture – Annual Report 2024
- Economic Survey 2024–2025 (India)
- India Jute Mills Association Reports
- Bihar Government Wage Code Rules 2025
- Labour Department Records and Worker Statements