A big boost awaits the bangle makers of Hyderabad as hundreds of shops lining the renowned Laad Bazaar in the old city will soon be corporatised to facilitate channelling of their ware to upmarket stores in the city and abroad.
About 300 bangle production and sale units that feed close to 15,000 people out of which 60 per cent are women are expected to get the government aid in manufacturing and online marketing, apart from cut in export duties on their ware.
Also, the centuries-old makeshift stalls, located around the historic Charminar, are expected to give way for permanent structures that sell traditional glass and lac bangles with fresher designs and make. The State government’s project will be supported under the USTAAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development) scheme, officials of the State Minority Welfare Department said.
Corportisation will synchronise the bangle making small scale industry with other traditional arts and crafts, including Bidri work and silver filigree work of Karimnagar, as the latter too are expected to get government support under the scheme, officials said.
As per the plan, the State would extend its aid to bangle makers in developing fresh designs that are marketable in the Middle Eastern and European countries, which have had links with the city. That apart, independent outlet for bangle sales would soon be set up in State government outlets, including Lepakshi. The government would also forge tie-up with private artefact outlets in the city to sell the bangles.
“The younger generation of artisans hailing from families that were into bangle making for ages is shying away from the trade in search of lucrative professions. The State hopes to retain the few youngsters who are still interested in the trade by helping them to make a good living out of available markets in the city and abroad,” said an official from the department, who is working on the project.
The State Minorities Welfare Department has already intimated the Centre of the proposal via a letter issued a few months ago. A project note to this effect is under preparation at present.
Helping hands
Government to aid about 300 bangle units
Cut in export duty on bangles
Bangle-making industry will be synchronised with other traditional arts and crafts
State to help bangle makers to develop fresh designs for Middle East and European countries
Government to forge tie-up with private artefact outlets in the city
The project is supported by USTAAD
