Bhagalpur (Bihar): With Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to address an election rally in Bhagalpur ahead of the Assembly polls in Bihar, local weavers are hoping for assistance from the government to deal with the coronavirus-induced hardships.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address an election rally in the district on October 23. Though tall promises were made during the Lok Sabha polls that the weavers' lives will change for the better, they were not fulfilled.
However, the weavers have not yet given up their hopes. They feel that the promises made during the assembly polls may bear some fruits for them.
Bhagalpur is known for its silk throughout the world. However, the image of Bihar's 'Silk City' completely changed after the devastating communal riots of 1989. Though 31 years have passed, the weavers' condition has not improved. They were the worst victims of riots and have been paying a price for the violence till now.
The district is home to around three to 3.5 lakh weavers, who have suffered through years of government apathy.
During every election, political leaders talk about transforming Bhagalpur's silk industry and the overall condition of the weavers. However, weavers continue to struggle even today, wondering whether the hollow promises were just a ploy to secure their votes.
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When ETV Bharat spoke to these weavers, they shared their agony and helplessness.
"If the government were willing, Bhagalpur's silk industry could have been improved a lot. This could have also changed the economic condition of the weavers. Today, the weavers are just managing their day to day needs with great difficulty. The plans of the government if any are not effective on the ground at all," said Abrar Ansari, a weaver leader.
Weavers complain that the indifferent attitude of the government has only worsened the situation. Bhagalpur's Champanagar area is majorly inhabited by weavers, whose occupation is now under threat. The government's indifference has pushed these weavers to the brink of starvation.
"Textile industry has a lot of career opportunities, but the industry is not being provided with any assistance in any respect. The state of the silk industry in the district has worsened over the years -- all due to lack of government support. If I have to do some job, I will have to go to other states, because the condition of the textile industry here is very poor," said Tausif Shabab, a textile engineer.
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"The textile industry has also suffered a lot due to the coronavirus induced lockdown. At present, the industry is passing through a tough time. We barely earn Rs 200 to Rs 300 per day. This is what we earn and somehow we have to meet our household needs," echoed Raja and Parvez, both weavers.
Weavers rued that the promises made by leaders are quickly forgotten once the election is over. While promises are showered from all sides when the elections approach, they are never converted into concrete action on the ground.
