Interviews
Berhampur weavers trapped in Govt apathy
21 Jan '10
2 min read
The renowned weaver community from Ganjam known for their inherent handloom weaving skills particularly the fabulous Berhampuri Patta, is confronting a miserable future. This is due to reduced availability of the raw materials.
This has led around 20,000 families located in the Hinjili area of the district to the threshold. Also low rates of wages and non subsidization of electricity levy has added to the situation.
A large chunk of weavers assembled at Samalai located at a distance of about 30 km from Ganjam. The meet aimed at stimulating grievances of the weavers and also working out a solution to their issues.
Parsuram Sahu, President of the Ganjam District Weavers' Association informed that the association advocated to the government to arrange for availability of electricity to the looms at subsidized rates and also to set up additional raw material yarn banks in the district. They even urged for providing yarn to weavers at lower prices.
The association informed that in event of lack of supply of yarn from the government, the weavers are compelled to acquire the same at high prices from private agencies and intermediaries. A demand was also raised to extend availability of power at subsidized rates to small scale industries, Sahu added.
They even contend that despite of the obligation of the textile department to consider the welfare of the weavers possessing not only handlooms but also power-looms it is neglecting the requirements of the power-loom owners who comparatively are superior in number than handloom holders.
The textile commissioner had visited Berhampur in recent past. She was also updated regarding the impasse, but no steps have taken to resolve the issue till date, Sahu alleged.
This has led around 20,000 families located in the Hinjili area of the district to the threshold. Also low rates of wages and non subsidization of electricity levy has added to the situation.
A large chunk of weavers assembled at Samalai located at a distance of about 30 km from Ganjam. The meet aimed at stimulating grievances of the weavers and also working out a solution to their issues.
Parsuram Sahu, President of the Ganjam District Weavers' Association informed that the association advocated to the government to arrange for availability of electricity to the looms at subsidized rates and also to set up additional raw material yarn banks in the district. They even urged for providing yarn to weavers at lower prices.
The association informed that in event of lack of supply of yarn from the government, the weavers are compelled to acquire the same at high prices from private agencies and intermediaries. A demand was also raised to extend availability of power at subsidized rates to small scale industries, Sahu added.
They even contend that despite of the obligation of the textile department to consider the welfare of the weavers possessing not only handlooms but also power-looms it is neglecting the requirements of the power-loom owners who comparatively are superior in number than handloom holders.
The textile commissioner had visited Berhampur in recent past. She was also updated regarding the impasse, but no steps have taken to resolve the issue till date, Sahu alleged.
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