Jajpur: Both the Handicrafts and the Tourism departments of the state have proposed to the government to declare Gopalpur village of Jajpur district, known as Dutee Chand’s village, as a village of artisans and textiles to improve the socio-economic condition of the village artistes.
A meeting regarding this was held at the Collector’s office Thursday. The Textiles and Handicraft Department’s Director and the Jajpur Collector discussed procedures for implementing the plan at the meeting.
The departments will implement the 5T action plan in the village to ensure better service delivery to craftsmen. Excitement spread among weaver families after the news came out. The 5Ts plan aims at achieving progress through Transparency, Teamwork, Technology, Time and Transformation.
The Sukhuapada village in Badachana block was declared an artisan village, but that existed only in government files. No development projects have been launched for weavers in the village.
Weavers of Gopalpur hope that this will not repeat in their village. There are many villages in Jajpur district with only weavers. Jajpur district has been recognised as a district of artistes.
But the families of weavers in the district are now facing a major challenge due to the sharp fall in demand for their products.
Gopalapur village is known as Dutee Chand’s village. Dutee Chand herself belongs to a weaver family. The families are struggling to survive as their products have been edged out by mass manufactured products.
Around 600 weaver families are engaged in making products like sculptures, terracotta products, bamboo products, brass utensils, wooden products, clothes and toys.
But the brass industry is facing decline after the introduction of new products by big MNCs. Lack of infrastructure and help from the government are responsible for the sorry state of the handloom and handicrafts industry.
The fabric units here have introduced new designs and colours, but they are confined to the elite. It is possible to have wide range in coarse fabrics at the lower end of the price spectrum too. Although handloom products have now been edged out by powerloom products and mill synthetics, many people prefer handloom products due to their unique qualities.
Estimates say a traditional weaver needs three days to weave a saree but the profit is less than Rs 100. With this, it is difficult for a weaver to survive. With no other option, weavers are now working as labourers.
When Regional Industrial Centre General Manager Niranjan Nayak was asked about this, he said that he was not aware of it.
Jajpur Collector Ranjan Kumar Nayak said recognising Gopalpur village as a village of artisans was an old proposal. The district administration should take proper action regarding it, he added.
The handloom, handicrafts and textile industries in the district, especially in Gopalpur village, needs upgraded technology, input support, marketing support, publicity, infrastructural support, welfare measures, composite growth oriented package, development of exportable products and research and development.
The department aims to provide these facilities after declaration of the village as an artisan village. Modernisation of small scale units can attract tourists which will help to improve the standard of living of weaver families.
BOX
Estimates say a traditional weaver needs three days to weave a saree but the profit is less than Rs 100. The handloom, handicrafts and textile industries in the district, especially in Gopalpur village, needs upgraded technology, input support, marketing support, publicity, infrastructural support, welfare measures, composite growth oriented package, development of exportable products and most importantly, research and development
PNN