Polyester flag snatching away livelihood of khadi workers
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Employment & inclusive growth· Mains·
Why in news
Workers at a Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha unit report financial hardship and job insecurity following a Flag Code of India amendment allowing polyester and machine-made flags.
Background
The Bengeri unit in Hubballi saw sales drop from ₹3.94 crore in 2022-23 to ₹1.21 crore in 2024-25. The unit is an all-women facility managed by Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) adhering to BIS guidelines.
Facts for Prelims
- FactSales at the Bengeri unit dropped from ₹3.94 crore (2022-23) to ₹1.21 crore (2024-25)
- BodyKarnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) manages the flag manufacturing unit
- PlaceBengeri, Hubballi, Karnataka
- FactThe unit sold flags worth ₹65.51 lakh until December
For Mains
Q. Discuss the impact of industrial liberalization and material substitution on traditional artisanal livelihoods and the viability of Khadi-based rural employment models.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Market distortion: Competition from low-cost polyester and machine-made alternatives undermining hand-loomed Khadi products
- Livelihood precarity: Risk of workforce reduction in all-women cooperatives due to sharp revenue declines
- Regulatory trade-off: Balancing the ease of flag production with the preservation of traditional craft heritage
Keywords: Artisanal livelihoods · Market distortion · Rural employment · Livelihood precarity · Traditional crafts
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