Jamshedpur: The district administration has intensified efforts to promote the traditional crafts of local artisans and ensure better livelihood opportunities. In this direction, Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi visited the remote Andharjhor village of Bodam block, known for its heritage of musical instrument making.
Accompanied by the BDO and CO, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with artisans and villagers, learning about their work, challenges, and expectations. He gathered detailed information about the time, cost, and raw materials involved in crafting instruments like tabla, mandar, dhol, and mridang, along with the demand and prices in the market.
Artisans shared that despite generations of preserving the craft, inadequate pricing and poor market access have discouraged younger members from continuing the tradition. Many have shifted to other occupations due to low income. They acknowledged that past efforts by the administration had provided some support but urged for sustained initiatives.
The Deputy Commissioner assured that concrete steps will be taken to enhance recognition and market access for their products. He spoke about exploring branding, logo, and trademark solutions and directed the Industry Department representative to work on this immediately. Instructions were given to the BDO and CO to identify government land near the Bodam-Andharjhor main road for establishing a Community Facility Center (CFC), which will serve as a hub for artisans to connect with buyers.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the Vishwakarma Point near Sanjay Market in Sakchi, where space has been provided to artisans. He instructed officials to make the sheds permanent and asked the District Entrepreneur Coordinator to ensure that the artisans of Andharjhor avail the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana.
Additionally, he directed that women from the village be linked to self-employment opportunities through training under JSLPS and RSETI programmes, so that the community can secure sustainable income while preserving their cultural heritage.
Permanent shed for the craftsmen in Sakchi
Jamshedpur: After returning from Andharjhor, the Deputy Commissioner reached Sakchi market directly, he inspected the Vishwakarma Point built near Sanjay Market. On the spot, he instructed the officials to make the shed built for the craftsmen permanent. Along with this, he instructed the District Entrepreneur Coordinator to provide the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana to the craftsmen of Andharjhor. At the same time, instructions were given to connect the women of the village to self-employment by giving them training under JSLPS and RSETI training.
