Living Wages & Responsible Purchasing Practices – Report Highlights
This study has been conducted by Sattva Consulting and IDH and has explored the challenges, stakeholder dynamics and opportunities for bridging the living-wage gap in India's apparel and footwear industry.
The primary and secondary research spanned three months across key manufacturing zones of the country and has highlighted wage disparities, existing initiatives and stakeholders’ role in improving wage conditions.
Key findings have indicated the industry relies heavily on informal and contractual employment, with significant vulnerabilities for women and migrant workers. Many workers face unstable wages, lack of social-security protections, poor living conditions and limited career-growth opportunities. Caste-based exclusion is also prevalent in the leather sector, compounding challenges for already marginalised groups.