PTI, PUNE: Hundreds of people affected by drought in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra are now working at firecracker stalls in Pune city during the Diwali festival with a hope to earn a livelihood.
An estimated 3,000 people have found jobs at these temporary outlets set up across the city during the festive season, an association of firecracker stalls here claimed.
Maharashtra witnessed a deficient monsoon this year following which the state government recently declared drought in 151 talukas in 26 of the total 36 districts in the state. These 26 districts include eight each in the Vidarbha and the Marathwada regions, five in North Maharashtra, four in western Maharashtra and Palghar district in the coastal Konkan region.
Santosh Bora, president of theShobhechi Daru Utpadak Kharidi Vikri Sahakari Sangh, a Pune-based umbrella body of firecracker outlets registered in 1961, said around 1,500 to 2,000 people from various parts of Marathwada come to work at these temporary shops every year.
“But this year, since the situation is bad out there (in Marathwada), over 3,000 people, including students, farmers and agri-workers, have come to Pune and are working at various firecracker stalls,” he claimed. Akash Kamble, a native of Sindala village in Latur district of Marathwada, said his father committed suicide three years ago after being unable to bear his debt burden. Since then, Kamble has been coming to Pune during the festive season to work at firecracker shops and earn some money to take care of his mother and sister.
“The situation is grim this year due to the bad monsoon. But poor rains and lack of work opportunities have become a norm in our village. That’s why I have been coming to Pune during Diwali to find work,” the 22-year-old said. Sachin Sonkamble, from Jewali village in Osmanabad district, has a similar story to tell.
