Flagging a downturn: Future tense for Hubballi's khadi tricolour makers

Time of India

3 days ago

Hubballi: Amendment to the National Flag Code, that allows citizens to hoist flags made of polyester and other materials throughout the year, has impacted the livelihood of workers involved in the making of khadi national flags at the production centre in Bengeri in Hubballi, under Karnataka Khadi Gramaodyog Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS).
The centre, which previously held the exclusive rights to produce khadi flags, witnessed a sharp decline in orders, forcing workers, mostly skilled in traditional khadi weaving, to move to other tasks.
An eerie silence hangs over the facility that used to typically produce thousands of flags annually, especially before Independence Day celebrations.
The KKGSS management has diversified its production line to include other khadi products to sustain operations.
This change has not only impacted direct employees, but also the entire supply chain, including raw material suppliers and local traders.
Many traditional artisans who specialised in khadi flag-making for decades are suddenly being forced to learn new skills as the centre has started focusing on producing khadi bags, clothing, furnishings, and other traditional items.
Apart from the obvious financial implications, the changed circumstances come with an emotional disconnect as well.
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While polyester flags are cheaper and more readily available, khadi flags represent a connection to India's freedom struggle and the self-reliance movement.
Annapurna Doddamani, the manager at KKGSS national flag production centre, said the centre, with its 25 artisans, halted flag production in March-April this year due to diminished demand. To keep the artisans employed, they have moved to producing khadi bags.
The artisans now make 10-15 zippered bags daily, earning only around Rs 25 per bag.
Shivanand Mathapati, the KKGSS secretary, reported that the centre currently holds a flag inventory worth more than Rs 2 crore.
The organisation sought amendments to the modified National Flag Code during the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' celebration, marking 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'. Even then, the flag production unit continues to struggle.
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