However, there are several problems being faced by the industrialists. There is a dire need to resolve these problems to bring prosperity to the industry and help it to grow further.
There are over 200 units in this industry, which manufacture accessories such as necklaces, hair pins, earrings, knives, beads and pictures from bones. It employs about 3,000 people and earns almost Rs. 20 crore as collective annual turnover.
The industrialists export their products to local markets such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. International markets include USA, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UK. “We have clients in a lot of countries, and their number is increasing rapidly. We receive orders from various locations. Though we have several problems that act as hurdles in our work, we try to deliver the best products,” says Sachin Kumar, one of the industrialists.
“The state government has never shown any interest in promoting this industry. It has failed to provide even basic facilities to the industrialists. Neither do we get a regular supply of electricity, nor do we get sufficient water supply,” he says.
“There are no proper working sheds, where we can have all the facilities needed to work comfortably. Both the labourers as well as industrialists are largely illiterate, and do not know about modern technology and new designs,” says Chandra Mohan, another industrialist.
“An association should be formed to resolve all our issues, and to present our problems before the state government. We have appealed to the government several times to bring changes in the industry, but have not seen any positive results,” says Preetam Chaudhary, another industrialist.