Unlike in the past, when political parties and candidates used to woo voters with handmade leaflets, posters and banners, flex and vinyl banners have made inroads into the poll processes in recent times resulting in loss of livelihood of local artists and painters.
Earlier, artists and painters were in great demand during election time. But the use of developed and advanced technology during poll process has pushed a large number of artists to the verge of penury.
Artist Raju Maharana said, “We used to spent days together in preparing life size cutouts and banners of political parties in the past. But now, large flex banners measuring 20 to 40 feet are made only in a couple of minutes. As the new mode is cost effective and takes less time to make, why should anyone opt for us?” Raju was once a hot favourite of local leaders and political parties and had dozens of assistants to help him in his work during elections.
With the changing of times, he finds it difficult even to arrange two square meals a day. The artists and painters were also in huge demand while organising social functions and events. But flex and vinyl banners have invaded the sphere too. There are hordes of artists like Raju in the city who have been rendered jobless by rising demand for flex and vinyl banners. Some have changed their avocation with time and now own flex printing machines of latest technology. However, with mushrooming of several advanced printing press in the city, the flex banner makers are also facing tough time.
Deepak Patra, who established an offset printing unit and flex machine three years back, said, “Though there is sufficient work during the elections, the prices of flex banners have been slashed drastically due to stiff competition.”
A square foot of flex banner, which costs `10 in normal days, now ranges between the price of `6 and `8, he said.
“There are many competitors in this field in the city and in order to do business, we have to cut down on the prices during elections,” Patra added.
As on today, there are 10 flex printing machines operating in the city and these were unable to cater to the needs of all the candidates contesting the polls.
This time, the political parties placed orders with flex units operating in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, which in turn, provided them campaign materials at a much less price, Patra added.