MARGAO
Goenche Shet, the traditional Goan goldsmith community, is up in arms for a different reason - the entry of illegal goldsmiths from Bengal in the traditional business.
Around 480 goldsmiths under the banner of Gomantak Suvarn Karagir Sangh have knocked the doors of the government, seeking intervention to stop what it called as the illegal entry of goldsmiths from Bengal into the state. "The Goenche Shet is synonymous with Goemkarponn and has been its symbol for many years, but the entry of goldsmiths from Bengal has hit our traditional occupation hard," Sangh president Suhas G Vernekar told TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, even as they demanded action against the Bengali goldsmiths.
If Suhas is to be believed, it's now eight years since the Bengalis had made their entry into Goa's goldsmith business by working for local goldsmiths. The outstation goldsmiths are operating in a couple of buildings in the commercial capital despite complaints from local residents of pollution emanating from these outlets. "The Bengalis are carrying out business illegally without obtaining any permissions from any government deparment," Suhas added.
After giving the beleaguered goldsmiths a patient hearing, the TCP Minister said the government will take cognizance of one of Goa's traditional occupation as the goldsmiths are seeking protection against the Bengalis. "Even if they have come to seek government's help, it's better late than never. There are instances of outside goldsmiths fleecing gullible Goans, including Christians, who have been getting their ornaments done by the local goldsmiths," Sardesai said.
He said since the Shet community has been an integral part of Goem, Goemkar and Goemkarponn, it is the responsibility of the government to protect their interests.
Goenche Shet, the traditional Goan goldsmith community, is up in arms for a different reason - the entry of illegal goldsmiths from Bengal in the traditional business.
Around 480 goldsmiths under the banner of Gomantak Suvarn Karagir Sangh have knocked the doors of the government, seeking intervention to stop what it called as the illegal entry of goldsmiths from Bengal into the state. "The Goenche Shet is synonymous with Goemkarponn and has been its symbol for many years, but the entry of goldsmiths from Bengal has hit our traditional occupation hard," Sangh president Suhas G Vernekar told TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, even as they demanded action against the Bengali goldsmiths.
If Suhas is to be believed, it's now eight years since the Bengalis had made their entry into Goa's goldsmith business by working for local goldsmiths. The outstation goldsmiths are operating in a couple of buildings in the commercial capital despite complaints from local residents of pollution emanating from these outlets. "The Bengalis are carrying out business illegally without obtaining any permissions from any government deparment," Suhas added.
After giving the beleaguered goldsmiths a patient hearing, the TCP Minister said the government will take cognizance of one of Goa's traditional occupation as the goldsmiths are seeking protection against the Bengalis. "Even if they have come to seek government's help, it's better late than never. There are instances of outside goldsmiths fleecing gullible Goans, including Christians, who have been getting their ornaments done by the local goldsmiths," Sardesai said.
He said since the Shet community has been an integral part of Goem, Goemkar and Goemkarponn, it is the responsibility of the government to protect their interests.
