Stop harassing goldsmiths, amend law to protect artisans: Kavitha

BRS MLC Kavitha urged the government to stop harassing goldsmiths under Section 411 of the IPC, citing rising suicides. She demanded legal amendments, financial aid, and empowerment of artisans, reminding the Congress of its Kamareddy Declaration promise.

Hyderabad: BRS MLC and Telangana Jagruthi president K Kavitha has raised serious concern over the recent spate of suicides among goldsmiths, blaming police harassment and lack of government support for their plight.

In a post on X, Kavitha demanded an end to police cases against goldsmiths under Section 411 of the IPC, which deals with handling stolen property. She said the police were filing cases against innocent goldsmiths for buying stolen gold, but failing to catch the actual thieves. “This injustice is driving many to suicide,” she said.

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The BRS MLC called for urgent amendments to Section 411 and stressed the need for financial support to artisans.

“Goldsmiths should be given loans to sustain their livelihood. The Vishwakarma community must be empowered to compete with corporate giants,” she said, warning that traditional professions were slowly being wiped out.

She urged the Congress government to fulfill its Kamareddy Declaration promise to support artisans, including goldsmiths. “Jewellery is sacred in our culture. When a woman wants to get her bangles or mangalsutra made, she would go to a goldsmith, not a showroom,” she said. She also appealed to goldsmiths not to resort to suicide and instead, seek support to fight back.