Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh): The carpet weaving industry of Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh is famous all over the country. For thousands of workers, it has been the only source of earning bread and butter for many generations.

But these days the carpet industry is facing a difficult time, making the workers live in penury due to shortage of work and negligible wages.

Though carpets processed in Fatehpur Sikri are also exported abroad through many wholesale traders in Delhi and Panipat, weavers working in these carpet factories have to stay idle most of the time. According to Daulat Usmani, an owner of a carpet factory, "We have to live without work until we get orders from Delhi and Panipat. Carpets made in Fatehpur Sikri are bought by the exporters sitting there and then they export them to foreign countries like France, Russia, London and other countries."

Many factory owners blame the Government for lack of support. ``This business is controlled by some rich people sitting in Panipat and Delhi. They buy our products at lesser price leaving workers without money. Condition of workers can be improved if they get some kind of support from the Government,'' said Abdul Sattar, a carpet factory owner.

Daily wage workers are unsure of their livelihood. ``We have been barely able to survive through carpet weaving for generations. We come at 8:00 in morning and work till 6 in the evening. We get around rupees 30 or 35 a day. We are jobless for at least 15 days in a month. It's very difficult for one member to look after the whole family. Sometimes we have to sleep without a meal," says Nazneen, a daily wage worker. Government officials, however, claim to have started many schemes for the betterment of these workers.

According to Sanjay Prasad, District Majistrate, Agra, "Carpet weaving did good business earlier and many quality artistes are still there. But business is failing these days due to lack of professional training and proper marketing of the products."

"There are many schemes like Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojna (Prime Minister's Employment Scheme), Artisans' Credit Card Scheme through which these weavers can get loans easily. In a bid to improve their economic conditions, we have created Self-help Groups under Swarn Jayanti Grameen Vikas Yojna to help them in the marketing of their products,'' says Prasad. -- ANI

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail