From Our Correspondent
Agartala: The sky rocketing price hike not only affecting the common people, but it has indeed cast a shadow over the future of idol makers in the state.
Although order for idol supply is coming as usual, increase in cost of raw materials, high-rate labour charge and lack of space has emerged a major cause of concern for the local clay artisans.
In an interview with The Shillong Times, Chandan Biswas, the owner of Chandan Studio of Gangail Road said that he received order of 17 Durga idols for the season. The cost of idols varies from Rs.10,000 to Rs.60,000. “But it appears the profit margin against each idol may not cross Rs. 2500”, he said.
Explaining the causes of less profit, Chandan who adopted the profession by a passion said that relentless increase in the cost of raw materials including clay , straw , bamboo , wood caused less profit have been contributing to the dwindling profit.
On being asking about impact on the industry after ‘importing’ of clay artisans from West Bengal, he said that the local artisans became gainer from the healthy competition. However, the number of orders has reduced due to their footfall in local industry. “As the Centre has given green signal allowing FDI in multigrain retail, skilled clay artisans from outside the state are bound to gain”, he smiled.
Pratap Paul, owner of Laxminarayan Studio echoed the same voiced saying they are traditionally making idols at their own studio during last 70 years.
Besides, they can not take more idols due to lack of space require for keeping the idols . He appealed the state government to provide space for clay artisans and arrange soft loan for the clay artisans . He also apprehended that they might have to change the business due to lack of space in the years to come. However he mentioned that they had taken order of 10 Durga idols and maintain better profit margin due to less number of labour.
Gouranga Rudra Paul, another clay artisan at Battala said that cost of materials has increased significantly giving a tough time to clay artisans.