Raipur: The cottage industries and the narrow lanes leading to the artisans who make clay pots have remained dull and gloomy in recent years, as globalisation, market competition and drop in demand have pushed the potter's community to the brink of crisis.
The 'diyas' which used to light up our homes and their fortunes, generated a steady income during the festive period. On Diwali, the potters used to earn a huge chunk of their annual revenue. However, a steady decline in demand and the introduction of electric lamps instead of earthen lamps have pushed the cottage industries to debt and crisis.
However, with the help of social media and the circulation of pamphlets people are becoming aware of the benefits of earthen lamps. This massive awareness campaign has attracted the government's attention towards the potters and weavers.
The Mungeli, Dhamtari and Bemetara district administrations in Chhattisgarh has decided not to use Chinese lights and instead illuminate the government buildings with the eco-friendly 'diyas' during the upcoming Diwali festival.
Following reporting from ETV Bharat, Raipur mayor Pramod Dubey has instructed the officers to not to tax the Potter community.
"The potter community sets up 12-20 diya shops around the district during Diwali. Earlier, they were taxed by the municipal authorities. We have ordered the authorities not to tax them," Mayor said.
"The state government has also decided to support the community and raise awareness on the benefits of earthen lamps," he added.
ETV Bharat has focused on the poor condition of the Potter community, and the administration has instructed panchayats and municipal corporations to protect the community. Besides, Mungeli collector Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure released a governmental order urging people to buy earthen lamps.
The potters said that people prefer Chinese lights over the traditional earthen lamp during Diwali, which adversely affects their small business.
Diwali, the festival of light, is a Sanskrit term meaning row of lighted lamps. The potter community believes the positive steps taken by the administration will lit up their lives and the village economy.
