Child Marriage, Pregnancy And Sugarcane Labour | Ground Report| Jist

In Maharashtra’s sugarcane fields, many women grow up carrying responsibilities long before adulthood. This ground report follows women workers dealing with child marriage, early pregnancies, physical exhaustion, abuse, and endless hours of labour under extreme conditions. When Jist reporter Medha questioned government officials about the condition of pregnant women workers, she was told that pregnant women only visit the fields to “help” their husbands and are not involved in rigorous work. But the reality she witnessed on the ground was completely different. Pregnant women were cutting sugarcane, lifting heavy bundles, tying loads, and working for hours despite severe physical strain because poverty and helplessness left them with no other option. What do you think about this issue? Tell us in the comments.