PONDA: Delay in government subsidy to clay Ganesh idol artisans from Ponda taluka has affected the work of traditional idol makers. They are demanding an early release of the subsidy or free delivery of clay so that they can get Ganesh idols ready in time for Chaturthi.
Many traditional idol makers are also worried about the cost of inflation, which, they say, has skyrocketed recently.
Few of the artisans opined that the government should release the subsidy at least two months in advance so that they can start their work early and get the idols ready for people to purchase them in time. This year the Chaturthi is being celebrated on Sept 2.
Sudesh Palkar and Kaushik Sawanth, who are making idols in their traditional Murthishala at Betalwada, said nowadays the clay idol cost has doubled due to inflation. The cost of the paint has also increased, they claimed.
“We did not get government subsidy on time and now we are facing financial problem in making idols. We brought clay mud from Mandrem in Goa, but it has become difficult to get clay mud because of government prohibitions on extractions of mud,” they alleged.
Since the cost of making clay idols has doubled, the government should also increase the subsidy, said Umanath Naik from Nageshim Bandora
