Private lac production industries in association with Jharkhand State co-operative lac Marketing & Procurement Federation ltd (JASCOlAMF) and Jharkhand Government, has planned an employment programme in lac handicraft for the tribal women’s from Angarah and Bero region.
From May 13, a workshop has been organised at JASCOlAMF, Namkom and about 50 women are being trained in making finished products of lac. This workshop will be running for 30 days and those women qualifying this training will be sent for 90 days workshop, where they will be trained to master the skill in processing, making handicrafts and in manufacturing other lac products.
This workshop has been organised with the appeal and cooperation of Mahila Samiti of lac production committee of Angarah and with the support of Bioved Research Society Allahabad and Allahabad handicrafts.
Amar Singh Munda secretary of the men association of lac production committee, Angaraha said, “After their complete training they will be working in their own industry at Bero and will be sponsored by the Jharkhand government for the industry setup. After the setup this will be run by their own Samiti from where their finished lac products will be exported.”
He further added, “We already have our own private lac cultivation farm in Bero and the factory for these women will be established there.” In this workshop, trainees are being taught to make handicrafts like pots, holders, toys and other small decorative items at this initial stage. Most of the suburban dwellers are finding it interesting and are looking forward for better employment in this.
“We are happy to learn this art of making handicraft and we hope for a good employment in this industry,” Sapna, a trainee, said.
Other such workshop is also being run in Indian institute of Natural resin and gums (IINRG) at Namkom, where students from Varanasi and Allahabad have come for research programme in lac.
“lac is expensive raw material and we are trying to promote this resin and spread its knowledge among students. This resin has been overlooked by the government despite its usage in many areas like pharmacy, electronics, ornaments and many other products.