Priyanka assures steps to resolve problems of traditional pottery workers

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, MP, on Friday (June 26) assured traditional pottery workers that efforts would be made to address issues faced by the sector, including shortage of clay, inadequate prices for products, and lack of modernisation. Speaking at a meeting in Nilambur here to discuss measures for the welfare of traditional pottery artisans, Ms. Vadra said a permanent solution would be worked out after examining the issues in detail.

She noted that despite the availability of clay suitable for pottery in Nilambur and nearby areas, artisans were unable to extract it due to various restrictions. Under the existing rules, a licensed artisan is permitted to extract up to 50 metric tonnes of clay, but the number of licensed workers is very low, she said.

Priyanka suggested that the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) and local self-government institutions take the initiative to facilitate licences for skilled artisans. She also said restrictions imposed by the Forest department on extracting clay from private land should be addressed.

The Wayanad MP said identity cards would be issued to workers in the sector, and the feasibility of establishing a heritage village centred on traditional pottery would be explored. She said another meeting would be convened after visiting pottery production centres and obtaining a report from the District Collector to arrive at a permanent solution to the problems faced by artisans.

Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar, Nilambur MLA Aryadan Shoukath, and District Collector Vinay Goyal attended the meeting.