‘Tiger-Widows’ of Bali Island in Sunderbans to spin the wheels of their fortune
In a historic transformation, the apocalyptic Bali island in Sunderbans, West Bengal, infested with Tiger attacks is bustling with khadi activities as Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has inaugurated 3500 sq ft modern workshed with 200 charkhas to infuse self sufficiency among Tiger Widows.
It is for the first time ever, the sleepy Tiger-infested Bali island in the dense mangrove thickets of Sunderbans which was totally disconnected from the mainstream of development since Independence, is now humming with Khadi activities.
As per PIB, a hundred tiger widows (Bag Bidhoba in local parlance) in the Bali island who were engaged with spinning activity by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in 2018, can now boast of modern amenities, advanced equipment like charkhas and looms and marketing support to provide these women artisans with sustainable livelihood. To begin Khadi activities on the island, KVIC had set up a temporary structure three years ago, which has been converted into a permanent work shed now.
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Chairman KVIC Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the newly built 3000 sq feet work shed and a 500 sq feet common facility centre for Khadi artisans at the Bali island. The “Tiger Victim Khadi Katai Kendra” is now equipped with 125 new model charkhas, 15 modern looms and provides employment to nearly 150 women artisans of the Bali island. KVIC has also provided these artisans with yarn dyeing machines and readymade garment manufacturing machines. The centre has been modernized at the cost of Rs 95 lakh which has been funded by KVIC under its Khadi Reforms and Development Program (KRDP) and Workshed Scheme for Khadi Artisans. The centre is being run by a local Khadi Institution of West Bengal
He said Khadi activities on Bali island will ensure financial sustainability of the tiger widows who were staring at a dark future after having lost the breadwinners for their families in tiger attacks. By taking up Khadi activities, these artisans will be able to earn up to Rs 200 per day. He said the idea is also to desist these families from venturing into deep water or thick mangroves for fishing and thus mitigate the threat of tiger attacks.
These artisans were also provided with comprehensive training by KVIC in marketing and finance.
