Both of the textile parks that were supposed to be established in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district have not yet opened. Weavers in the area are thus experiencing extreme financial hardship as a result of their inability to obtain sufficient employment and reasonable pricing for their wares.
The district’s weavers are dispersed among the assembly constituencies of Bagalkot, Hunagunda, Jamkhandi, and Terdal.
The district is well-known for its Guledgudda Khana, Ilakal, and Rabkavi-Banhatti sarees, which are acclaimed across the world. However, the number of persons weaving has been steadily declining as a result of inadequate market facilities.
The opening of a textile park in Guledgudda was announced by the previous administration. The project has not yet begun, despite the announcement. Hopes have been rekindled since the previous government returned to power.
Although a distinct corporation has been set up to support the growth of the weaver community, it is not adequately funded. Weavers are calling for the provision of essential facilities and the prompt allocation of funding. Additionally, they are calling on the Government to offer them assistance programs and labour cards, which are comparable to those offered to construction workers.
Financial hardship has reportedly led to the suicide of 47 weavers. They are now calling for their loans to be fully waived in order to ease their hardship.
