Guest guest Posted June 30, 2004 Report Share Posted June 30, 2004 Sutapa Deb http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp? template=Starvation&slug=Varanasi+weavers+face+starvation&id=56401&cal lid=1&category=National&headline=Varanasi~weavers~face~starvation Wednesday, June 30, 2004 (Varanasi): Varanasi weavers face starvation The handloom industry provides the largest employment after agriculture in Varanasi and the UPA's Common Minimum Programme has committed itself to the welfare of weavers. But time appears to be running out for the city. In the last two years, 22 weavers have committed suicide in Varanasi. Silent suffering Home to the world's most famous saree, the Benarasi silk, weavers here say they have stopped eating and children are being silently starved. "It is a very difficult time for us. Often we make rotis with salt and our childre have to manage with that. If there is nothing, they go to bed hungry," said Afsha Jehaan, wife of a weaver. "Our family eats only once a day and we prepare it as cheaply as we can. Last night I found there was not enough food, so I didn't eat. I just drank water and went to bed," added Abdul Jaleel, weaver. Desperate need for help This week worried traders in Baqrabad, Bunkar colony and Kachibag formed committees to provide 15 kilos of wheat and rice at half the market price to 2000 families. But with nearly 15 lakh people employed in the sector, facing a near loss in their livelihood, the initiative is like a drop in the ocean. Clearly the government can no longer ignore the disaster, as nearly every third house in the weavers' belt has a family on the brink of starvation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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