The Decline of Silk Industry in Bhagalpur
We often find ourselves reminiscing about the glory of the past, with fond memories of the “good old days.” However, Dipankar Ghose’s article in The Indian Express has shed light on a disheartening reality in Bhagalpur, where the moniker “Silk City” still adorns traffic signals, district administration websites, and advertisement boards. This raises the question: Is Bhagalpur truly still a “Silk City“?
The Fading Legacy
A quick Google search for “silk city of India” reveals a different story. Pochampally takes the lead in the search results, with Bhagalpur barely making its presence felt. The reason behind this shift in fortune is a tale of decline and neglect.
A Once-Promising Mill in Ruins
The Bihar Spun Silk Mill, which commenced operations in 1972, now stands as a haunting relic of the past. Production ceased in 1993 when the mill’s 300 employees stopped receiving their salaries. Despite the mill’s desolation, traces of the once-hefty Japanese machines and silk cocoons can still be found within its premises. Some former workers cling to hope, yearning for the mill’s resurrection.
Challenges and Factors Behind the Decline
Several factors have contributed to the decline of Bhagalpur’s silk industry. New silk hubs have emerged in “big cities” like Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, leaving Bhagalpur unprepared to compete. Chronic power shortages forced many weavers to part with their power looms. According to Ijaz Ahmed, a co-owner of a silk manufacturing unit in Bihar, a stable power supply could have reduced production costs by almost 25% and increased productivity by nearly 50%.
Another significant challenge has been the large-scale migration of weavers to other states due to political neglect and the government’s indifference. Alim Ansari, a member of the Bihar Weavers Welfare Association, emphasizes that whatever is left of Bhagalpur’s industries is thriving despite the government’s lack of support.
Economic Woes and Decline in Demand
Weavers are drowning in debt, unable to repay loans as their payments are delayed. Furthermore, the import of silk from China and South Korea has reduced the demand for Bhagalpur’s Tassar Silk. The lack of marketing infrastructure has compounded these issues.
Transportation and Market Control
Inadequate transportation facilities and the absence of a functional airport in Bhagalpur have contributed to the industry’s decline. The roads themselves are unreliable. This has resulted in a decline in the demand for Tassar Silk from European and American markets, all due to logistical issues.
Bhagalpur’s silk trade is predominantly controlled by urban “seths” who operate through local agents, making intermediaries crucial. This setup, some might argue, bears a semblance to a form of neo-feudalism, with exploitative tendencies towards the working class.
A Bleak Present for Weavers
Ordinary weavers endure grueling labor for meager returns, earning as little as ₹50-70 per day while crafting 4-5 meters of silk fabric. The decline in the silk industry has had a severe impact on their livelihoods, with many turning to alternative sources of income to make ends meet.
The Struggle of Institutions
The decline extends beyond the industry itself. The once-promising Bihar Institute of Silk and Textile, which offered a four-year Bachelor of Engineering/B. Tech degree in Silk and Textile, was eventually shut down due to state neglect. Sadly, no concrete plans for its revival have been presented.
Complex Issues and Neglect
One top district administration official, speaking anonymously, revealed that subsidies provided by the Bihar state government to silk-producing units in Bhagalpur were allegedly siphoned off by certain groups. Law and order issues have also played a significant role in discouraging industrialists from investing in Bhagalpur.
A Glimmer of Hope for Revival
While the decline seems inevitable, there is hope for revival. A more organized industry with a focus on quality can mitigate these problems. Initiatives such as the Bunkar Credit Cards, which provide capital through banks, could significantly improve the weavers’ conditions.
Reviving Bhagalpur’s Silk Industry
The long-term plan includes planting trees for cocoon production and ensuring a steady supply of raw materials. Short-term solutions involve urging small factory owners to provide more work opportunities for weavers.
A Call for Change
A stronger weavers’ union could negotiate on behalf of the government and the companies, addressing concerns of quality and workers’ welfare. Moreover, the revival of the Bihar Institute of Silk and Textile is crucial, not only as an alternative career option for students but also as a means to increase employment opportunities.
Bhagalpur was once a thriving town on the ancient Silk Route, with the potential to become a trading center once more. To make this a reality, political establishments need to prioritize this industry in their manifesto. With collective efforts, the city that once boasted a silk industry with a turnover of around ₹500 crores can regain its lost glory.
References:
- Bhaskar, Utpal. “Bhagalpur silk industry losing its sheen,” Livemint.
- Singh, D.K. “Bhagalpur silk industry, a tale of political neglect,” Business Standard.
- Ghose, Dipankar. “In Bhagalpur silk hub, looms tell a story: ‘95% collapse’,” The Indian Express.
- Azad, Nayear. “Bhagalpur silk industry victim of political neglect,” The Asian Age.
- Prasad, Archana. “Bihar: Handloom weavers seek govt support to revive ‘dying art,” ANI.
- Kumar, Chandan. “Blueprint for Development of Weavers of Bhagalpur,” ResearchGate.
- IL&Fs. “A Report on Diagnostic Survey and Business Plans for Handloom Sector in Bihar,” Department of Industries, Govt. of Bihar.
- Sarmistha, Uma. “Rural Handloom Textile Industry in Bihar: A Case of Rural Informal Sector,” Social Change, Vol. 45(1), pp 107-117.