Daltonganj Potters Embrace Modern Technology with Electric Wheels Ahead of Diwali
Daltonganj: Five potters in Daltonganj received electric pottery wheels from Palamu DC Sameera S recently at subsidised rates ahead of and Diwali. The electric wheels, with a 90% subsidy, will mark a shift from traditional methods to modern technology for the potters.
“The administration has shortlisted 40 more potters who will be provided with the electric pottery wheel,” a statement from the district administration said. It added, “This is the first time when electric pottery wheels have been given away ahead of the Durga Puja and the upcoming Diwali festival, when pots and diyas would be made in large numbers.”
A district official also said, “The Palamu administration is committed to improving and bettering the working facilities of the potters as a very large number of them still make potteries by traditional means.”
Notably, the Jharkhand Mati Kala Board was set up during the tenure of then chief minister Raghubar Das, but failed to make significant progress. After Das’s electoral defeat, the board became almost defunct.
Avinash Dev, a former member of the board, alleged that the current govt did not revive or reconstitute the board, neither in its last tenure nor in the ongoing tenure.
Talking about the challenges of potters, Dev said, “The biggest challenge is getting good quality clay as it is not easily available. Landowners object to digging for clay. For getting good clay, at least 15 feet deep trenches need to be dug. The landowners cite environmental issues to prevent digging or demand a hefty price.”
“The administration has shortlisted 40 more potters who will be provided with the electric pottery wheel,” a statement from the district administration said. It added, “This is the first time when electric pottery wheels have been given away ahead of the Durga Puja and the upcoming Diwali festival, when pots and diyas would be made in large numbers.”
A district official also said, “The Palamu administration is committed to improving and bettering the working facilities of the potters as a very large number of them still make potteries by traditional means.”
Notably, the Jharkhand Mati Kala Board was set up during the tenure of then chief minister Raghubar Das, but failed to make significant progress. After Das’s electoral defeat, the board became almost defunct.
Avinash Dev, a former member of the board, alleged that the current govt did not revive or reconstitute the board, neither in its last tenure nor in the ongoing tenure.
Talking about the challenges of potters, Dev said, “The biggest challenge is getting good quality clay as it is not easily available. Landowners object to digging for clay. For getting good clay, at least 15 feet deep trenches need to be dug. The landowners cite environmental issues to prevent digging or demand a hefty price.”
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