Jute mills drew in a large labour force from the neighbouring states of Bihar and Orissa, as well as eastern Uttar Pradesh, quite often forming an overwhelming majority of the population in the area, living in shanty towns and bustees dotting the mill area.
The text describes how jute mills attracted workers from surrounding areas, leading to a significant influx of people into the region. These workers lived in overcrowded and informal settlements near the mills, which were often referred to as shanty towns or bustees.