NEW DELHI: It has been nearly a year since Narottam Lal Rai, a craftsman, has found work. Rai used to go to schools across the country and — and had even visited countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Kenya — to conduct crafts workshops. But of late, he has been idling at home for lack of work due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I conduct workshops in schools on how to make paper flowers and garlands. I also sell books on arts and crafts for Rs 10 each, my main source of income,” said Rai, who lives in Bhatt Camp in Badarpur, home to several artisans and craftspersons like him. “With schools closed, I have had to undertake menial jobs to make ends meet. But even labour work is hard to find due to the lockdown.” Rai used to earn Rs 500-1,000 from each school he visited.
Many artistes, including acrobats, puppeteers, magicians, singers and dhol players, too have found their avenues of earnings blocked by the lockdown. Residents of Kathputli Colony, who have been moved to Anand Parbat while their colony is under redevelopment, are among the worst hit. Puppeteer Anil Nat, a resident of the camp at Anand Parbat, said in a dull voice, “We used to perform at cultural events and functions across the country, sometimes even abroad. However, all such events have been cancelled and our income has dried up completely.”
The artisans and craftspeople are mostly unread, having learnt their art from elders and passed from one generation to the next. Babu Bhat, 52, a folk singer, said, “I sing folk songs in eight languages and have performed at many events attended by foreign dignitaries. However, beyond this, I know of no other way to earn a livelihood. A labourer cannot become an artist and we cannot do a labourer’s work.” Bhat has borrowed money to tide over his financial drought.
Dileep Bhat, who ties turbans on people at events, said, “As artisans, most of our annual earnings come in the wedding season, and we use this money throughout the year. I was booked to attend seven weddings in April and May, but all were cancelled following the lockdown.”
Many artisans said their finances had only just started improving by 2020-end, but the surge in Covid cases last month hit them hard. Acrobat Subhash Bhat, 29, said, “When I couldn’t find work last year, I started working in a factory. But I lost that job too when the lockdown was imposed last month. I have no money to provide proper meals to my two children, no money to recharge my phone.”
Bandhua Mukti Morcha, an organisation that fights against bonded labour, provided around 450 families in Bhatt Camp with dry rations on Thursday. Its general secretary, Nirmal Gorana, said, “The artisans have been severely impacted over the past one year. Even when the lockdown was lifted, there was hardly any work for them. Moreover, many families do not have ration cards. The government should give them financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each and provide free food grains and essentials.”
