Traditionally Odisha has been a land of crafts. In all parts of the state there used to be one clan or other who had their own ancestral crafts or trades in which they were engaged. These indigenous crafts had prospered and proliferated bringing economic prosperity to people. Village economy was more or less self- sustaining. Skills used to pass on apprenticeship from one generation to the other. However the enterprising spirit took a hit when mass production of industrial goods started to flow into rural markets squeezing the scope of local products. As market shrinked for local goods, the economic equation changed and interest in carrying out indigenous trades subsided. However Odisha which didn’t witness any spectacular industrial growth could have sustained the rural enterprises had there been a concerted effort in this regard. But the government didn’t have any policy to preserve and promote the traditional crafts most of which disappeared after the pivot of commercial activities shifted from rural to urban areas. Odisha which is internationally famous for its handlooms and handicrafts could have emerged as a hub of textile industry had there been any impetus provided by the government. Government’s indifference not only discouraged artisans, but also precipitated downfall of the local industries. Most of the spinning mills were shut down due to the myopic vision of the government and families dependants on ancestral trades were impoverished. This also cut down employment and triggered migration of rural youths. However things appear to be changing for better as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has focused on reviving the micro and small industries in India with a thrust on utilization of local resources and manpower. Odisha is going to have its first textile park shortly which we hope will be a harbinger of more such facilities for other industries too. The central government is also mooting an innovative idea of integrating tourism with handicrafts which will mutually promote each other. If things go the right way, Odisha will soon regain its rightful place in the industrial map and Odia entrepreneurship will thrive.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:26:43 +0000
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