It wrenched my heart to see that picture. A young man on the road, with a baby in his arms, a feeding bottle and a backpack. That is all he was holding on to; their child, meagre belongings and the hope of going back to the village. Because the city that lived off them slammed the doors shut. Uncertainty hung over the fate of millions of migrant workers. The irony is that many villages also barricaded them, fearing the disease may have travelled with them. Most migration is out of desperation; forced, misinformed and misjudged. Most come in search of work as farming is in an even bigger crisis. In our planning and vision, the city has always been the focus of economic growth.
What if there is enough work in rural areas? A significant aspect of rural India that remains under-explored is the immense potential in craft-based livelihoods. It can create jobs that are local, resilient and reduce migration. But it is in a shambles, without supportive policy, institution and understanding. Here are some suggestions for the Centre and States. Include craft under MGNREGA that would guarantee hundred days of work to artisans. Use MGNREGA to construct multi-purpose work sheds that would accelerate production, generate work, hold training and provide safe, accessible, sheltered spaces.
Revive existing craft-based livelihoods with capital, design and market support. When there is surety of better income, respect and recognition, artisans would not be compelled to look for other employment. Provide capital for three production cycles so that the artisans continue working and do not get into debt. Link them to banks like NABARD. Invest in R&D, technology collaborations, involve and employ the local community, experiment to find better tools, easier communication and marketing. Focus on the domestic market. From village haats to urban markets, handloom and handicraft products need to be more visible and easily available.
Identify new marketing avenues. Look for mobile and online marketing opportunities. If people cannot come to markets, the market must reach the people. Connect two or more existing crafts to create new products and jobs. For example, where there is weaving, block printing and knitting, combine it with tailoring and embroidering. Establish training institutes for capacity and skill-building of local youth on business, marketing and design. Several initiatives by craft patrons and NGOs are proof that this can work. For example, Jharkhand provided wage subsidies to set up tailoring units.
To quote Jean Dreze, noted economist-activist, “As soon as the lockdown is relaxed, migrant workers who are marooned in different parts will try to return home. They will probably hesitate to migrate again for a while.”We must create opportunities for them to stay and lead a dignified life. In doing so, build an alternative narrative of progress, growth, health and happiness.
Anuradha Pati Independent Development Professional