“On a campaign trail in Uttar Pradesh, HW News reached Varanasi. One of the popular tourist destinations in UP’s Purvanchal, away from the hustle-bustle of Varanasi is a grim story of an Industry hit by economic slowdown and lockdown.
We are talking about Banarasi Saree, among the finest sarees in India known for their gold and silver zari work, fine silk and opulent embroidery. The sarees are made of finely woven silk and are decorated with intricate designs. Behind the artwork, there is an entire industry of handloom artists. The industry employs for about 1.2 million people associated directly or indirectly with the handloom silk industry around Varanasi encompassing Gorakhpur, Chandauli, Bhadohi, Jaunpur and Azamgarh districts.
While the shine of Banarasi saree is still intact, the shine and booming days of the industry are over. There was a time when the industry was prospering and employing thousands and lakhs of people. Today, the market has completely collapsed. There is no demand and the workers who once found their income in the artistry are abandoning it to be labourers.
The labourers we spoke to say that constant supply of electricity is still an issue whereas corruption in the subsidy has made it worse for them.
#Varanasi #UPELections2022 #UPAssemblyELection #UttarPradesh
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