BICHOLIM: Artisans making idols of Ganesh, from Mayem have urged the government to increase subsidies and give the same well in advance.
Ganesh festival will be celebrated next month and in several parts of the State artisans have already started making Ganesh idols.
When contacted some artisans from Mayem to understand their business, they complained that they were facing several difficulties, one of which was the ‘meager’ subsidy provided by the government and that too not on time.
“There are several problems that we face while making idols. Earlier, we were getting the required clay from Pernem, but this year we have to satisfy with the clay that we got from Bicholim after we were not allowed to lift the clay from Pernem,” said Durgaram Shet from Mayem.
“The cost of idol has increased because of all these reasons. But we cannot charge a high price from the buyers even if it means we have to bare some loss,” Shet said adding, “only if we take the idols to Mapusa and other cities we get some good money.”
They also believe that idols mad of plaster of paris are also available in the market.
“Government should provide us subsidy in the month of April or May so that we can buy the needed material,” Shet said and demanded the government to increase the subsidy.
