Zari artisans living in extreme penury in Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Aug 28 (ANI): Artisans engaged in the traditional metal-based embroidery business here are struggling to eke out a living.

Speaking to reporters recently, Aslam, an artisan, said it was a challenging task for them to work for long hours on a daily basis and earn a meagre salary.

"We have been doing this work (Zari) for past eight to ten years. We come from far-off places, approximately eight to ten kilometres away, to do this work. Our daily income ranges from Rs.100 -150," Aslam said.

Three people work together for 15 hours to complete work on one cloth. As locals are unable to get employment in cities, they engage themselves in traditional zari work to earn their livelihoods.

Farukh Ahmed, another artisan, said that they are compelled to do this work, as there was no other alternative for them to earn money.

"We work for 12-15 hours and are not able to earn more than Rs. 120 -130 per day. There is a lot of hard work in this and there is no money," Ahmed rued.

The artisans have also requested the government to provide them with subsidy. (ANI)