In Modi-Kejriwal battle city, weavers want focus on basic issues
Updated: Mar 28, 2014 03:27:57pm
Varanasi, Mar 28 (KNN) Amidst hype over Narendra Modi and Aam Admi Convenor, Arvind Kejriwal locking horns in the electoral battle in Varanasi, the local industry in the holy city is bothered more about basic issues like roads and electricity.
Varanasi, known as the abode of Hindi god, Lord Shiva, is also world renowned for centuries old silk weaving and handicrafts.
Talking to KNN, President of Eastern UP Exporter’s Association (EUPEA), Amitabh Singh said, “The roads here are so bad that it takes at least half an hour to get past a one kilometre stretch. As a result no buyers, domestic or international want to visit us.”
“Whether it is buyers from Mumbai, Germany or elsewhere, they want us to visit them because of the improper road planning and transportation system here,” Singh added.
The industry wants the newly elected government to create a better city for weavers where all the systems work – electricity, roads and transportation.
Referring to the heritage of the place which is silk weaving, among others, he said there was a huge demand for hand weaving and they banked on handlooms.
Although the city was home to around one lakh weavers, today only 40,000 are working; while the remaining weavers have no work. “The buyers want fast production. How can we do that without proper infrastructure?” Singh said, adding that all their problems are interconnected.
“All we want is a level playing field…it doesn’t have to be as good as China but similar to Surat or Bangalore.
“Benaras weaving is among the oldest art forms passed down from the Mughal era. The art is dying and so we need a revival plan for the entire sector,” Singh said.
Such a plan, he said, should be done by professionals. “We have always had the support of the Ministry of Textiles….however, things are not getting better. There are some good policies in place but the benefits should reach the weavers directly.”
Varanasi which is also a considered a city of temples is best known for its silk. Nearly half of its manufacturing activity has to do with spinning and weaving, the industry dominated by small scale industries and household production.
Silk weaving is typically done within the household. Fine silk and Benarasi saris, brocades with gold and silver thread are often used for weddings and special occasion.
The silk weaving industry has recently been threatened by the rise of power looms and computer-generated designs and by competition from Chinese silk traders. (KNN/ES)
Varanasi, known as the abode of Hindi god, Lord Shiva, is also world renowned for centuries old silk weaving and handicrafts.
Talking to KNN, President of Eastern UP Exporter’s Association (EUPEA), Amitabh Singh said, “The roads here are so bad that it takes at least half an hour to get past a one kilometre stretch. As a result no buyers, domestic or international want to visit us.”
“Whether it is buyers from Mumbai, Germany or elsewhere, they want us to visit them because of the improper road planning and transportation system here,” Singh added.
The industry wants the newly elected government to create a better city for weavers where all the systems work – electricity, roads and transportation.
Referring to the heritage of the place which is silk weaving, among others, he said there was a huge demand for hand weaving and they banked on handlooms.
Although the city was home to around one lakh weavers, today only 40,000 are working; while the remaining weavers have no work. “The buyers want fast production. How can we do that without proper infrastructure?” Singh said, adding that all their problems are interconnected.
“All we want is a level playing field…it doesn’t have to be as good as China but similar to Surat or Bangalore.
“Benaras weaving is among the oldest art forms passed down from the Mughal era. The art is dying and so we need a revival plan for the entire sector,” Singh said.
Such a plan, he said, should be done by professionals. “We have always had the support of the Ministry of Textiles….however, things are not getting better. There are some good policies in place but the benefits should reach the weavers directly.”
Varanasi which is also a considered a city of temples is best known for its silk. Nearly half of its manufacturing activity has to do with spinning and weaving, the industry dominated by small scale industries and household production.
Silk weaving is typically done within the household. Fine silk and Benarasi saris, brocades with gold and silver thread are often used for weddings and special occasion.
The silk weaving industry has recently been threatened by the rise of power looms and computer-generated designs and by competition from Chinese silk traders. (KNN/ES)
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