The government will utilize indigenous merchandises from this year to serve the underprivileged people during the winter season. linens, blankets and other warm clothes will be prepared in State to meet the requirement of each district apart from providing livelihood to rural artisans. Production work is taken up by the two State owned institutions to produce winter products in bulk as per the demand available.
Notably, blankets distribution in Capital City will be commenced from December 10, after the tender is floated for it soon. As per CM Raghubar Das decision, Jharcraft will fulfill the requirement of blankets distribution among people this year. However, with one lakh blankets, the State owned designing and Handicraft Corporation, will just serve two districts Giridih and Deoghar rest other districts will float the tenders to fulfill their need this year.
“This year, we are floating the tenders to cover maximum needy people. Jharcraft, this year will not be able to fulfill our requirement. In Ranchi district alone, approximately 22 thousand blankets are required as per the data available with us. Within a week all procedure including floating of tender, bidding etc. will be completed. Distribution is likely to begin from December 10,” said, Ranchi DC, Manoj Kumar.
“Additional facilities like bonfire and other essential arrangements will also be ensured by the district administration soon. Officials have identified the major spots and work for this will be completed in the coming days as well,” added Kumar.
This year, due to time constrain, Jharcraft is unable to meet the demand of all 24 districts. “This year, in just two months time, the institute was able to prepare one lakh blankets. For next year, we are supposed to prepare 9.5 lakh blankets and other linen to meet the demand of people during the winter season, as per the instruction of labour Department Secretary,” said, Managing Director, Jharcraft, DK Tewatia.
“As CM, Raghubar Das instructions, production work will initiate from January 2017 for the next consignment that will be utilized in all the districts next season. At present, the first consignment of 13,120 blankets has reached Sahibganj. On or before December 15, rest consignment will reach the two designated places,” Tewatia pointed out soon.
Similarly, Khadi Gramodyog Board has also written to all the DCs of the State as well for the utilization of Khadi items in winter catering to the requirement of deprived people district wise. “A detailed letter has been given to all the DCs and they can approach Khadi Board for blankets, clothes etc. We have sufficient products in stock available with us to meet all districts demand,” added, Khadi Board, Chairperson, Sanjay Seth.