In an attempt to revive the dying art of pottery and promote the numerous potters of the State during the festivals of Diwali and Chhath, the Jharkhand Mati Kala Board has instructed all the district administration officials across Jharkhand to allow artisans for the sale of earthen diyas, jugs, washable cups and saucers and other artifacts at various crossings and popular market places.
Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray said, “The potters display their artifacts every year during the festival season and this year too they will be doing the same across the City. The directive issued will be implemented and the administration will provide its full corporation.”
Gumla DC, Shashi Ranjan, said that adequate steps are being taken to promote potters of the State. “Like every year the artisans can display their products at popular markets. In case they are looking for a specific place adequate arrangements will also be made.
The administration is also appealing to the citizens to buy to use clay diyas for Diwali and trying to promote this craft,” said Ranjan. Ranchi Municipal Commissioner Manoj Kumar said that no action will be taken against these sellers for Diwali and Chhath and they will be allowed to freely sell their products on the road sides.
The Jharkhand Mati Kala Board was formed by the State government in May 2017. All district coordinator, block coordinators and members of Mukhyamantri Laghu & Kutir Udyam Vikas Board are also involved.
The board has also opened training centres at Gola and Dunka. The training centre operational at Bundu since the last four months has trained four batches of 30 artisans each. “The board offers a training package for a month to the artists. In this package food and accommodation are provided free of cost along with a stipend of Rs 4500,” said Jharkhand Mati Kala Board Chairman Shrichand Prasad.
Using state of the art machinery from clay processing to an advanced firing system everything is being developed and upgraded.
As a part of the progtamme thousands of potters across Jharkhand have been given electric ‘chaks’ with an 80 per cent subsidy at 20 per cent. “Taking cue from other states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and using modern technology, baked earthen products are being made in Jharkhand and the demand, for which is increasing by the day,” added Prasad.
He further added that as per medical research terracotta products are also very good for daily use. By using clay utensils the micro nutrients are saved up to 80 percent which are otherwise lost in steel and aluminum utensils, hence making it beneficial for the human body.
The board aims to provide the craftsmen not only a local market during festivals but also link them to new markets including exports and online marketing.
“For training the artisans of Jharkhand, master trainers from Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh have been invited who will provide them with the skill to make export quality products. At Bundu training centre Reshma Dutta provides skilled training to potters,” he added.
The products of these artists are presently available at the Jharcraft and Khadi Board outlets.