Covid leaves Nirmal toymakers broke

Handicraft artisans seek social security pensions to tide over the losses owing to dip in sales

Nirmal: Handicraft artisans, whose numbers are already dwindling, are reeling under a severe financial crisis following a significant dip in sales of Nirmal toys due to the lockdown. They are now seeking social security pensions to tide over the dire straits.

Around 200 families of the Naqashi community, which traditionally makes toys using softwood, once lived in Nirmal town. However, the population dependant on the craft shrunk over a period of time, with most of them forced to venture into construction, carpentry and other lucrative fields. Now, hardly 40 families are still in this age-old profession and their condition is pitiable.

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N Rajasekhar, an artisan, told ‘Telangana Today’ that they now barely earn Rs 100 a day, struggling to make ends meet, and are forced to avail loans at high interests. “It is better to become a daily wager than depending on this occupation. But, we have no option but to rely on it,” he bemoaned.

Purushotttam, secretary of Nirmal Toys Artisans’ Cooperative Society, said the outlet located in the district headquarters, is now seeing daily sales worth Rs 2,000 against Rs 20,000-30,000 before. The toys had piled up owing to the poor sales following the lockdown imposed for nearly a month, he stated.

No takers for toys

According to artisans and the secretary, people and tourists usually buy finely crafted wood toys — that of birds, animals and fruits — to decorate houses during social functions and gift them to their relatives at weddings. Since restrictions are imposed on gatherings and marriages, the public is not keen on purchasing the toys. Similarly, the tourism sector is hit hard by the lockdown, and no tourists are visiting the district. These two factors contributed to a considerable drop in sales.

Artisans seek social security pensions

The creative crafters pleaded to the government to provide social security pensions on par with senior citizens besides granting loans to buy raw material. “We have represented to the government and local public representatives several times but in vain,” Rajasekhar stated, adding they could continue to depend on the craft only if they were supported in many ways.

400-year-old profession

The Naqashi artisans have been producing attractive toys for about 400 years. They were originally brought to Nirmal and used to be patronised by Nimmala Naidu, who ruled over this region. They were later supported and encouraged by the Nizams of Hyderabad.

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