The most extensive damages were recorded in Bangalore, where over 10,000 workers from five local apparel factories blocked one of the main access routes to the city. According to the Indian media, the police had to resort to tear gas in order to try to disperse the demonstrations sparked off by the workers. About thirty people were nevertheless injured in the opposing factions.On Tuesday the Employment Minister defended his position, stating that the controversial measure had been approved by the trade unions. In the Times of India this version was dismissed by union leaders, who pointed out that the government stonewalled their request to leave workers a certain amount of flexibility in accessing their pension contributions.
India accounts for 4.5% of the international textile trade. In 2015 its apparel exports totalled €15.9 billion, and they are expected to reach €18 billion in the current year. The government has officially set the objective of reaching €22 billion by 2020.India is also turning into one of the world’s largest consumption markets. Currently valued at €52 billion, the Indian domestic textiles and apparel market is expected to reach €126 billion by 2021.