Durga idol makers lament loses

Competition from imported labourers becoming an increased burden on sales

Makers of Durga idols in Mangalhat and Dhoolpet have been facing difficulties in sales of the Goddess’ statues during Dasara.The workers,

who invest their lives to manufacture the idols, are suffering losses for the past few years due to increased competition from labourers brought from other states like Kolkata, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa.

These workers are brought to the city due to increased demand of their skill and materials, such as plaster of paris (POP) exported from Rajasthan.

In spite of the competition, the city workers take loans from private investors at less interest rate with a hope to earn at least a repayable amount.

Speaking to The Hans India, a manufacturer from Mangalhat Usha Singh lamented that their business has faced downfall for the past five years.

“The hope after bifurcation of business from the state has gone in vain, too. The labour costs are expensive as they are brought from other states.

They are provided salaries of about Rs 15,000 along with additional charges of food and accommodation need to be tolerated,” she said.

She added that only 30 per cent on investments has been earned by them so far. “Out of 30 idols only 10 were sold,” she said.

Another manufacturer from Dhoolpet, Umesh Singh alleged that the severe downfall has occurred due to government.

Instead of making food items like pulses and vegetables affordable for the poor the government has decreased the rates of our idols in the market.”

Naveen Singh a manufacturer from the same area said that the liquor has more income on a daily basis compared to selling of idols.