New Delhi, June 26 (KNN) "Over the years there has been a steep decline in the traditional handicraft industry in all terms; demand-supply, import-export, which has forced these traditionalist artisans to pull rickshaws to earn a livelihood for their families," said Abhinav Chhabra, owner of a handicraft retailing company in Jaipur said.

He has blamed the Government for the continuous negligence towards the handicraft industry in Jaipur.

He critiqued, “The government hasn’t really done anything for the small traders while on the other hand, they are aiding the already established industrialists. This leaves us in a very bad position where we cannot even complain because of their ultimate authority.”

The city of Jaipur was once known as the Treasure Trove of India. The underlying reason was rudimentary: anyone who entered its markets would never go empty-handed. In the past years, the industry has taken a hefty blow which has led to a large migration of craftsmen of adept knowledge to indulge in lowly ranked jobs to earn a living.

Chhabra asserted that the government is faced with a monumental task to improve the fallen state of the handicraft industry of Jaipur, which was in its prime, highly regarded throughout the world.

He further voiced his opinion on the unduly advantages given to the exporters by saying that they get tax subsidies from the government, benefits for organizing exhibitions and even easy access to credit from formal institutions.

“Despite the upgradation of the Jaipur Airport, there are a lot of challenges we face every day. While unskilled labor is easily and abundantly available, skilled labor is in short proportions throughout the country.

Water has faced itself as a major issue as the state does not provide clean drinking water despite constructing huge industries around the region.”

He added that, “The artists are living a really troubled life and even the state government, which was earlier very helpful, has pulled up their hands. The state government does not enough initiatives to promote local trade which only leaves the MSMEs in the dark over their future in this illustrious city.

Speaking about the Budget, he said, “There should be division of the rate of interest based upon the size of the land acquitted by the person. Also, the GST Act must be structured properly to fulfill the promises made by the government upon its induction. Instead of attracting foreign investment, firstly, the government must look after its own.” (KNN/K)