Demonetisation: Artisans disappointed as sales hit

Vishal Joshi

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, December 6

Sahana Bano, an artisan from Lucknow, feels disappointed at the International Gita Mahotsav-2016.

Her hopes of good sales of hand-made famous chikankari embroidered dresses were dashed due to demonetisation. She was hardly able to sell dresses worth Rs 2,000 yesterday. “I opened stall at craft mela on December 1, but struggling for sales. People are interested in shopping. It is a direct implication of the demonetisation which has severely affected the working class,” said Bano.

Number of visitors to Bharma Sarovar was quite impressive at the trade fair which was inaugurated on December 1. However, a cross section of artisans and members of self-help groups (SHGs) invited by the organizers claim poor sales.

An official said that there was a plan to introduce eight mobile ATMs and promoting digital cash transaction but it was not implemented.

“It may have improved sale scenario at the trade fair,” said the official.

Nearly 600 participants from 22 states are participating in the festival at the expense of the organisers.

Introduction of electronic money transfer machines by several shopkeepers has failed to evoke much response from shoppers.

Chamba resident Pawan Kumar, who is participating in the Saras Mela sponsored by the Centre, said demonetisation had casted a shadow on sales.

Kumar was invited at the International Trade Fair in Delhi last month and experienced impressive sales of his traditional Himachali woolen wears. “I also ventured into digital cash transfer in Delhi but there is hardly any taker for it in Kurukshetra. Citing poor cash availability, people are not buying anything. In Delhi, I had a sale over Rs 1 lakh,” he said.

Nikesh Kumar from Ahmedabad in Gujarat said his first sale in the last two days came in the afternoon. His decision to cut down prices of traditional hand-woven bedsheets, handbags etc in vibrant bright colours was unable to attract buyers in the Saras Mela.