COVID spells lean patch for clay sculptors in Potka

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Aug 14: Clay sculptors in Potka Block have hit a lean patch financially. Ganesh Puja will be held this year on August 22 but orders for making images of the deity have dwindled because of the prevailing COVID-19 conditions. Clay sculptor Sunil Bhakt of Sangram village lamented, �Coronavirus has robbed us of our income. It has become increasingly difficult for us to run our families. With orders drying up this year, we are unsure of the immediate future.�

Last year the clay sculptors in Potka Block earned Rs 60 thousand while chiseling 30 Ganesh idols. This year they have received orders for just five idols and the price they will fetch these artists is a meager Rs 5,000. The prospect of earning a healthy livelihood is indeed bleak.