PERNEM
Bringing in Plaster of Paris (PoP) Ganesh idols from other States will be made more difficult, at least at the three check posts in Pernem taluka.
Pernem MLA and Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC) Chairman Pravin Arlekar has taken steps to maintain vigil at the three check posts, Aronda, Naibag and Patradevi, especially since a large number of PoP idols have been entering the State through these routes.
Since traditional clay idols are heavier and more expensive than PoP, there has been a big demand for PoP idols from other states, but people are being made aware of the environment dangers of immersing PoP idols in water bodies.
Mindful of these concerns, Arlekar has appealed to clay idol artisans from Goa not to keep PoP idols for sale in their Chitrashalas.
“The government annually offers subsidies to artisans making clay idols. This year, the subsidy will be doubled, and artisans will be given machines to mould the clay,” assured Arlekar.
Young artisan Shraddha Gawandi said PoP idols should be banned in the State, and the government should conduct checks before issuing subsidies.
Mission for Local chief Rajan Korgaonkar alleged that many Chitrashalas cheat customers by selling PoP idols and claiming them to be made of clay.
“Artisans should be provided clay and colours, and competitions to be conducted to motivate traditional clay idol makers,” said Korgaonkar.
