"It takes 15 to 20 days to weave a sari, and I get only about Rs 2,000 as my wage": Odisha Weavers Earn Below Minimum Wage

Bhubaneswar: In the heart of Odisha, where handwoven textiles are a cultural emblem, a silent crisis unfolds. The state's weavers, custodians of centuries-old traditions, are grappling with earnings that fall below the stipulated minimum wage, casting a shadow over their livelihoods and heritage.

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The Loom of Discontent

In villages like Sonepur, the rhythm of the loom is accompanied by the dissonance of economic hardship. Parameswar Meher, a weaver from Ranipur village, shares, "It takes at least 15 to 20 days to weave a sari, and I get only about Rs 2,000 as my wage." This translates to a daily earning of approximately Rs 100, well below the minimum wage standards set for unskilled laborers in India.

Similarly, Rama Meher from Kendupali village expresses, "I have to look for something else now to feed my family since our ancient profession of weaving is not enough for a livelihood." The lack of adequate compensation has forced many weavers to abandon their ancestral craft in search of more sustainable income sources.

The Gendered Wage Gap

The plight of female weavers adds another layer of complexity. Women engaged in home-based textile work often receive piece rates that are nearly 50% less than the state-stipulated minimum wage rates. Geeta Samal Goliya, a 32-year-old weaver, recounts, "Every time I have tried to negotiate with the contractor to increase my wage, he tells me that I am anyway working from my home, and the work requires no real skill." Despite the long hours and meticulous work, these women are undervalued and underpaid, highlighting the gendered disparities in the handloom sector.

Government Schemes: A Double-Edged Sword

In response to the growing concerns, the Odisha government has introduced initiatives like the Bunakar Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (BALIA) scheme, which offers interest-free loans up to Rs 1 lakh to weavers. While this financial aid aims to alleviate some burdens, it often falls short in addressing the systemic issues of low wages and market access.

Moreover, the Mukhyamantri Baristha Bunakar O Karigar Sahayata Yojana provides monthly financial assistance to senior weavers. However, these schemes are palliative rather than transformative, offering temporary relief without tackling the root causes of economic instability in the handloom sector.

The Looming Future

The future of Odisha's handloom industry hangs in balance. Without substantial policy reforms, fair wage implementation, and market access, the rich tapestry of Odisha's weaving tradition faces the risk of unraveling. The weavers, who once wove the fabric of the state's cultural identity, now find themselves ensnared in a web of economic challenges, struggling to make ends meet.

In conclusion, the story of Odisha's weavers is one of resilience amidst adversity. While their hands continue to weave intricate patterns, their voices call out for recognition, fair wages, and a future where their craft is valued not just in tradition but in tangible economic terms.