Potters in Jalpaiguri are facing financial distress ahead of Durga Puja due to a massive increase in the prices of idol-making materials. The cost of clay, straw, bamboo, jute, rope, and decorative items has risen sharply, putting a huge burden on local artisans.
Senior sculptor Ratan Pal stated that wages and material costs have gone up significantly.
Clay brought from Matigara, Ghoshpukur, and Bhotpatti is now 30 to 40 percent more expensive. A trolley of soil that cost 18,000 rupees last year now costs 23,000 rupees. Additionally, jute rope prices have jumped from 140 rupees to 250 rupees per kilo, bamboo prices have increased from 120 rupees to 150 rupees, and straw prices have surged from six rupees to 18 rupees.
Wages for workers have also increased, with daily wages moving from 500 rupees to 700 rupees, and skilled artisans charging up to 1,000 rupees.
Potters report that wooden frames used for idols have risen from 1,000 rupees to 1,600 rupees. Due to these high expenses, many artisans are now focusing on making smaller idols instead of large ones.
Artisans have sought financial help from the state government, stating that continuing the trade is becoming very difficult.
At the same time, puja committees like Raikatpara are worried about the rising prices of idols impacting their limited budgets.