Panaji: While backing the government's initiative to curb the sale of plaster of paris (PoP) Ganesh idols, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has expressed concerns that local artisans will face significant difficulties in complying with the registration and procedural requirements.
Challenges for Artisans
According to the GCCI, limited internet access, lack of digital literacy, and insufficient technical knowledge will make it challenging for artisans to complete online registration on the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) portal. The chamber emphasized that these barriers could hinder the participation of traditional clay idol makers in the regulatory process.
GCCI's Recommendations
GCCI president Pratima Dhond, in a letter to the department of environment and climate change and the directorate of industries, trade and commerce, highlighted the hardships faced by artisans. She stated that while the regulations serve a larger public and environmental interest, they should specifically target manufacturers of PoP idols and not penalize local artisans.
“While the intention of the circular is to prevent manufacture and sale of PoP idols, traditional clay idol makers should not suffer from the closure of business, sealing of premises, penalties or other coercive action,” said Dhond.
Proposed Solutions
Dhond further suggested that a support mechanism should be established at the panchayat or municipal level to assist artisans with registration on the GSPCB portal. “A simplified registration procedure may be evolved for small traditional artisans and family-run chitrashalas,” she added. The GCCI believes that such measures would ensure environmental goals are met without disrupting the livelihoods of local craftsmen.
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