Singh goes on to explain that only married women will ask for maternity leave. In reality it is a storeroom full of cardboard boxes. Women workers who marry are thrown out, she says. At the time of recruitment, women have to take a compulsory pregnancy test. Those found pregnant are refused work.
Overtime is compulsory for most but women are paid lower rates than men.
Dismal Women within the Boundary do get pregnant, however, and the health outcomes for them and their infants are often dismal. Miscarriages, premature births and deaths among new-born babies may largely be due to maternal anaemia and poor nutritional status, according to health workers. Dr Pratibha Sharma, who has run a clinic for the last 10 years in a shantytown near NEPZ, says the level of exploitation is 'unimaginable'. Respiratory problems, pelvic inflammatory disease and severe cases of dehydration are common. Anaemia is chronic and severe.