This story is from August 13, 2014

Freedom eludes state’s flag-makers

The approach to Independence Day is marked by irony for the state’s flag-makers, who have to work round the clock to complete production.
Freedom eludes state’s flag-makers
The approach to Independence Day is marked by irony for the state’s flag-makers, who have to work round the clock to complete production.
The approach to Independence Day is marked by irony for the state’s flag-makers, who have to work round the clock to complete production.
Soneswar Das, an employee of Assam Khadi and Gramodyog Board, does not have a minute to spare as he works with two others to complete orders for the tricolour. His flags will be supplied across the northeast before August 15.
“Nobody dares to protest. We have no respite and we will be sacked if we raise our voices,” rued Das, who has to complete 20,000 flags by Friday.
“Earlier, around 15 people would stitch the flag and paint the Ashok Chakra on them. Now, just three of us have to look after the entire process. Some people retired and others left the job. It’s difficult to make ends meet as our jobs are not regularized,” said Das who joined the board in 1987.
Hailing from Sualkuchi village in Kamrup district, he said it has become impossible for him to feed his family with the paltry salary of Rs 6,000 per month. However, what pains him most is his sense of helplessness. “Many employees who dared to protest were punished,” he said, adding that repeated appeals to the government to regularize their jobs had fallen on deaf ears.
Flag-makers Ramakanta Deka and Chandradhar Das add unrelenting work pressure and irregular payment to the bleak scenario. “Life has become difficult for us. We make the national flags, but we do not have any freedom,” Deka told TOI at the workshop, while stamping the Ashok Chakra on a flag.
Eight women weavers stitch the flags, earning a meager Rs 21 per flag. “I have been working here since 1983. I cannot even leave this job. Our payment is low and they take away another 14% from the amount. It’s terrible,” said a woman tailor who did not wish to be named.
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