An artisan makes shellac bangles at Islampur in Muzaffarpur. Picture by Gopiraman Mishra

Muzaffarpur, Nov. 28: The state government would soon revamp the age-old shellac bangle business after chief minister Nitish Kumar promised aid to the artisans during his Seva Yatra.

Officials are preparing a blueprint to boost the shellac bangle industry.

The district magistrate (DM), Santosh Kumar Mall, who accompanied Nitish, is leaving no stone unturned in preparing a list of artisans who make these bangles.

Nitish had visited Islampur market and Chainpur Bazid village in Kudhani block on November 18, where a sizeable poor population, particularly Muslims, are involved in the making of shellac bangles. Mall interacted with the artisans and traders and assured them of better market facilities and funds.

Nitish had promised to facilitate requisite funds to the artisans from Bihar State Minority Finance Corporation (BSMFC).

The chief minister had directed Mall to look into the problems being faced by artisans and the traders and prepare a plan to boost the business. Mall told The Telegraph that he held parleys with them in the presence of the officials of the District Industrial Centre.

The DM said the artisans talked about low wages and that they inhaled toxic gases while manufacturing the bangles. He added that they didn’t have access to proper medical facilities.

The traders also discussed the lack of better markets and manifold increase in the prices of raw materials. Mall directed the District Industrial Centre to conduct a detailed survey to identify artisans involved in the making of shellac bangles.

Sources said more than 5,000 artisans hailing from the lower strata are engaged in shellac bangle production.

Mall said Nitish had promised that BSMFC would provide financial assistance and loans to these artisans.

A special monitoring cell will be formed to expedite and look into the process of loan availability.

Besides, a plan to impart necessary training and packaging of shellac bangle products to the budding artisans is in the pipeline.

On the other hand, a group of artisans headed by Mohammad Shams, said they have aired their grievances before Mall and other officials and requested them to grant micro-industry status to their business.

“We have pleaded that the artisans should be given loans on easy terms. The process of providing loans by banks should be made hassle-free. The bank authorities should also stop harassing artisans seeking loan,” said Mohammad Shabbir of Chainpur Bazid village.