Guwahati, Mar 9 (KNN) The Assam government has notified a ban on power loom made mekhela sador (Assamese traditional saree), gamosa and aronai (Bodo traditional scarf) from March 1 to April14, 2023 to protect the interest of the local Assamese weavers ahead of Bohag Bihu.

According to a report by East Mojo, this ban has brought a relief to the local weavers who produce hand-woven gamosas and traditional saree and scarf right before the upcoming peak festive season.

However, the traders in Surat, Gujarat who are the major producers of machine-made ‘cheaper’ identical garments are worried because of this decision.

Ashok Jeerawala, President of the Gujarat Weavers Welfare Association, said, “There is a BJP government in both the states. It is not right to ban Surat sarees in Assam. It may spoil the relations between the two states. Prime Minister Modi and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel should intervene and talk to Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma,” as per a report by East Mojo.

Surat, a giant producer of garments in the country, makes for over 60 per cent of the consumption of the North Eastern state.

General Secretary of the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association (FOSTTA), Champalal Bothra, told the media, “The sudden ban will impact around 700 to 800 traders and 300 to 400 weavers along with the labourers associated with the looms producing mekhala sador in Surat that has a turnover of around Rs 3,000 crore annually.”

He added that over 10,000 families were directly or indirectly associated with the trade.

“With the upcoming Bihu festival, Surat traders have produced a large quantity of mekhela sador, and unlike Assam, it is not sellable to other states, so the ban will cost Surat traders very heavily,” he added.

On the other hand, the Assam government has laid their priorities which is to protect the interests of their local producers and the women who work on handlooms.

Meanwhile, Gujarat BJP president CR Paatil has assured to intervene in the matter. “They (the traders) have sought to request the Assam government to give some time to clear the stocks. The traders have also assured that once the current stock of mekhela sadors is cleared, they would not manufacture it again,” said Paatil.

Last week FOSTTA also met Union State Minister of Textiles Darshana Jardosh to find a solution.  (KNN Bureau)