Kerala's Handloom Weavers Reel Under Financial Stress

Balarampur, Kerala: Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced August 7 as National Handloom Day, the faltering economy of the industry in Kerala is a cause of concern, famous for its white sarees with gold work, the state is home to over 10 lakh weavers, most of them face financial difficulties.   

56-year-old Vasantha from Balarampur hasn't woven a saree in two years, her husband Sashidharan, won a National Award in saree weaving by the then President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in 2003. But heavy debt led to the weaver committing suicide ten years later, his elder brother too took his own life.

After Sashidharan's death, the family sold off their four looms and turned into daily wage labourers, they are still struggling to pay off the Rs 1 lakh loan. "He (Sashidharan) loved weaving... During the worst of times he ran around asking help but to no help. We request the government if they can help my two sons with jobs, so we can pay off the loans at least."

Once the crowning glory of Balarampuram, these handlooms now remain covered with dust and cobwebs, most weavers have moved out in search of greener pastures. Even Kerala's biggest festival Onam later this month has not been able to revive the industry's fortunes, the famous Kasava saree and mundu (dhoti) has the highest demand during this season.

"Markets are flooded by with power-loom products from neighbouring states and replicas of these special designs, made in China, our weavers don't have any protection from this," says Satish, the convener for Handloom Protection Committee.

Officials say they have limited powers.

Director of Government Handloom and Textiles, Sam Itticherian said, "According to the Handloom Protection Act we can take action against the producer who produces these in power-looms in the name of handlooms, but we cannot take any action against merchant who sells them."

There is little surprise that many children of weavers do not want to follow the family profession anymore.