The Hindu : Front Page : Nib units in doldrums

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 21, 2005

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Nib units in doldrums

S. Sundar

HARDPRESSED: A worker operating a die-unit to make nibs. — Photo: K. Ganesan.

SATTUR: The six-decade-old nib manufacturing cottage industry here is facing threat of extinction.

The popularity of ballpoint pens in the early 1990s and the subsequent advent of micro-tip pens marked the decline of the nib industry. From over 200 cottage units, this only town to make nibs in the State has just around 60 units. "We used to work even on Sundays to meet our orders. Our products were distributed all over India and exported to Pakistan," says A. Sankaranarayanan, president, `Stainless steel scraps by-products small scale manufacturers welfare association.'

Initially, it was men who manned different die and cutting units to make nibs. However, after they lost their charms, women have taken up the work. Instead of fine quality tin films, the units are using steel scrap from utensil-making units as raw material. "We are ready to work hard to roll them into thin films to make both ends meet," says M. Mariappan, a die-maker.

Moreover, middlemen are exploiting these semi-skilled labourers, who are not aware of marketing. While manufacturers sell 144 nibs for a maximum of Rs. 28, retail sale of one nib fetches Re. 1 for the shopkeeper.

The nib-makers want the Chief Minister to direct all school students and officials to use fountain pens. "If fountain pens become popular, we will get a new lease of life," Mr. Sankaralingam adds.

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