Problems and Prospects of Rural Industry in the District of Bankura, West Bengal

INTRODUCTION

Depending on its agricultural gifts, it has some great possibilities and potentialities regarding its Rural Industries. Let us find the prospects and the problems of Rural Industries here.

It was those kind Malla Kings who helped to develop, especially, the handlooms and the handicrafts to a new height in that old times. But with the downfall of Malla Kingdom and introduction of cheaper things by the English in the middle of the 19th century, that glory started to go away. Interestingly, after the Independence, with the setting up of Mejia Thermal power station and D.V.C, an industrial environment came there. But they helped large scale industries like Iron and Steel and we have to find about the Rural ones.

With a rich tradition of silk weaving from that East India Company time, Bankura plays an important role to make popular items like Silk Sarees, Dhotis, Chaddars, Tassars and many other fabrics. In fact, they have high demand both inside and outside our country. Places like Bishnupur, Rajagram, Joypur, Birsingpur and Sonamukhi are very bright in this respect.

Making Rayon goods is found easier and cheaper than that of silk. Tassar industry has been seen very common at places like Lokpur and Kenduadihi.

The Lac (a type of Resin) industry is chiefly found at Sonamukhi and places like Mejia‘s Anandapur, Jugibag, Indpur‘s Takrajor, Hiraband‘s Topbari. It is used for making Scented ink, Nail-polish, Lipstick, Churis etc.

A very small number of people of Bishnupur, Patrasayer and Bankura town are engaged making soft and beautiful objects from conch shell like Bangles, Rings, Necklace etc.

With low-budget items of Earth and Sand as its main components, the pottery industry finds its shape in products like pots, pitchers, tumblers, plates and many more. The terracotta Horses, Dolls and even different images of Gods and Goddesses are also made specially at Panchmura of Taldangra block and by the residents of Sonamukhi block.

The ‗Kolu Caste‘ of different areas of Bishnupur makes different types of Lantern with different things and of different designs. In fact, it is still that only hope of light at remote villages where there is still no electricity.

Fibre, Cane, Bamboos, Brass and Metal industry have got new dimension now. Though, good sponsorship and more Govt. helps are needed for them.

of Micro, Small, and Medium Textiles) has undertaken many projects on cluster development with a complete aim of the developing lives of traditional craftsmen of Bankura. It greatly upgrades the lives of Khadi-weavers, Khadi-spinners and other artisans. Dokra crafts at Bikna, Terracota crafts of Panchmura, stone curving and cutting at Susunia, Dheki process and Rice making at Dalpur, Sal Leaves process at Jangalmahal--- all these cluster movements have been subsidized and loan- given by the Govt. Bodies to make a good development there. Different Khadi melas, Training programmes, Exhibitions are also seen as part of this flow of development here. No doubt, a large number of Beneficiaries get to move ahead by these projects and programmes.

There are a number of problems that really disturb the expected rate of Development in this field of Rural Industry.

One of the Western districts of West Bengal, this district has some far-off blocks that usually put an idea of backwardness and remoteness on the city people of Kolkata or Burdwan.

Lack of good communication, even in these present days, to different places situated almost on the border of Purulia, is also a big problem. Unavailability of Train-tracks and tiresome Bus-journeys are serious issues.

The poor and innocent people engaged in rural industries are really needy and there is lack of modern education among them. But they are very simple people both in work and heart. They do not have Marketing Knowledge and know very little about Modern Technology. But still they manually give their best to run these industries for quite a long time.

Since their socio-cultural background does not have a good progress, they stay very unorganized and sometimes live divided life. They get involved in different political issuses. They fail to provide to their children good atmosphere in their family, they personally borrow money from rich merchants or owners and hamper their usual flow of life. Sudden unemployment and crysis in the field of industries have adversely affected their life. More Govt. helps and uplifting projects are needed for them.

But in the face of all these barriers, they continue their journey in somewhat a sea of uncertainity and are confident enough to re-build their opportunities and possibilities in near future. Interestingly, a great prospect of travel and tourism, though in its small size, has been discovered by the educated young people of this district. Places like Mukutmanipur, Bishnupur, Jhilimili and Bankura itself can offer great opportunity in this respect. So, we should live with hope.

1) Tourism in Bankura- Dr. Prasenjit Sarkar. 2) Tourism in Jharkhand- Dr. Kamla Prasad & Dr. Prasenjit Sarkar Rajesh Publication, Delhi (2015) 3) Mallabhum: Sekal-Ekal-Dr. Prasent Sarkar Bivabati, Kol-9 (2017) 4) Sabhyata Sanskrittir Ruparekha- Dr. Prasenjit Sarkar 5) Kamala Book Ageney, Kotulpur, Bankura (2020)

Assistant Professor, St. Paul‘s Teacher Training College, Jabalpur, MP