Odisha is known for its rich cultural heritage and unexplored tourist destinations. Apart from this, the state has also carved a niche for itself in the handloom sector. Be it Koraput, Bargarh or Sonepur districts, handloom-weaving community of the state has been able to bring laurels for its products with intricate designs.
Though handloom sector is a symbol of our country’s rich and varied cultural heritage, the handloom-weaving community in Odisha feels neglected as there has been no change in their financial condition.
As we observe the National Handloom Day today, let’s take a look at the lives of the weavers from Odisha and what they have to say.
Jagabandhu Pinika from Kotpad area in Korput district has taken up the weaving profession since long after honing the skills from his ancestors. Like Jagabandhu, Madhu Pinika also ekes out a living in a similar fashion. Tilotma Tanti, who has completed her matriculation, is now assisting her family in the profession.
One thing is common among them. All of them are not satisfied with their profession and rue that they have been deprived of the facilities and assistance.
“It is now 40 years that I have not received any house or government assistance. I have been doing everything on my own. Though our products are being sold in Bhubaneswar, Delhi and other parts, there has been no change in our situation,” alleged Jagabandhu.
“After my father and brother, I have started weaving after my matriculation. However, we never received any government assistance,” said Tilotma.
Uday Barik, Branch Manager, Utkalika, Jeypore said, “Sarees are being prepared in Kotpad near Jeypore. I have submitted indent but the products have not arrived yet. The sale of Sambalpuri saree is good. Our office needs to purchase the products and supply to us.”
Prasanna Kumar Gantayat, Additional Director, Textiles & Handlooms said, “We have been providing all equipment and weaver assistances to them along with allowance.”
In Bargarh district, most of the weavers are also having a tough time. Since early morning, the weavers start their work on various products. Though the members of Purushottam Divyang Self Help Group at Chichinda have taken up the profession, they are not allegedly getting money as per their labour. The reason being that the traders are buying their products at much low rates. Moreover, most of them say that their condition might improve if they get government assistance for e-rickshaws.
“We have not got any assistance from the government. We work for the owner who provides with raw materials,” said Surabhi Meher, Divyang weaver.
Kailash Meher, president of the Divyang Self Help Group said, “We cannot work by standing. The government has schemes, but we are not getting its benefits.”
The sarees of Sonepur are also popular across the globe. Nearly 6,000 weavers are working in the handloom sector and many of them have been honoured at the national and international level. The weavers can benefit more if the state government takes more steps for the providing necessary marketing facilities of their products.
“Some weavers with little government assistance have done remarkable job. But things will improve for all weavers, if their products are marketed by government and other private sectors,” said master waver Prafula Meher.