Artisans threaten protests over unresolved demands

Bhubaneswar: Accusing the state of continuing to ignore traditional artisans and weavers, the Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha has cautioned that it will launch an agitation if the government does not act on their long-pending demands. The warning was made during the 14th Annual Festival of the Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha, held in a grand manner at Parijat Kalyan Mandap in Phulbani. Speaking as the chief guest, Jajpur MP Dr Rabindra Narayan Behera said artisans and weavers are an essential part of Odisha’s cultural identity and heritage.

He noted that the problems faced by traditional artisans and weavers should be resolved through dialogue, not protest, and assured the gathering that he would serve as a link between the community and the state government so their concerns are properly addressed. Highlighting the importance of the handloom and handicraft sectors, Behera said these fields have long been important sources of livelihood and have played a key role in supporting the rural economy for generations. He also assured that he would bring to the state government’s attention the need for monthly financial assistance for artisans and weavers, along with the proper functioning of the Handloom and Handicrafts Development and Promotion Council.

On the occasion, Odisha Shilpi Mahasangha president Uday Mohanty strongly criticised the state Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department over reported plans to shift the Council’s state office at Ghatikia, along with its auditorium facilities, to the National Gallery of Modern Art under the Union Ministry of Culture. Mohanty demanded that the government immediately withdraw the proposal and set up a governing board for the Council. He warned that the Mahasangha would begin an agitation if its demands were not met.

Dr Pabitramohan Samantaray, president of the National Journalists’ Federation, attended the event as a distinguished guest and praised the Mahasangha’s efforts toward the overall development and welfare of artisans and weavers. In his keynote address, Prakash Chandra Meher, state president of Boyanika, described artisans and weavers as the main contributors to the Swadeshi movement. He stressed the need to preserve Odisha’s traditional handloom and handicraft traditions while also introducing modern designs to meet changing market needs.

Mahasangha secretary Priyaranjan Kar, who conducted the programme, placed three key demands before the state government. These were the effective implementation of the Chief Minister’s Senior Weavers and Artisans Assistance Scheme, immediate formation of the governing board of the Handloom and Handicrafts Development and Promotion Council, and an increase in the budget for the state’s handloom and handicrafts sectors to Rs 5,000 crore. The gathering also expressed disappointment over the government’s alleged failure to respond to repeated representations submitted by the organisation.

The Mahasangha further listed several demands aimed at improving the welfare and social security of artisans and weavers. These included providing homestead land to landless artisans, scholarships for their children, interest-free loans, and life insurance coverage. Other demands included building an artisans’ hostel in Bhubaneswar for temporary accommodation, creating an Artisans’ Welfare Fund, setting up dedicated artisan markets along national highways, and identifying and developing new artisan villages.

The organisation also sought subsidised supply of tussar silk, cotton yarn and dyes for weavers, along with affordable raw materials for artisans.