Firecracker cottage industry in Padampur, Cuttack
Cottage industry and Handlooms, Cuttack November 10th. 2007, 4:25amFollowing is an excerpt from a report in New Indian Express.
In Padmapur its largely unorganised labour which manufactures fire crackers. Though called the Sivakasi of Orissa, this cottage industry is yet to get recognition here as this year only four to five families were issued fireworks making permit. This despite the fact that almost every household in the village has been into the business for several years.
The dedication to manufacture reflects in the fact that every member of the family, including children contribute their mite.
About 2500 unorganised labourers of more than 500 families belonging to both Hindu and Muslim communities of Padmapur and its adjacent Trilochanpur, Mahajanpur, Purbakachha, Madhyakachha, Campati, Hatikana, Bahadalpatana and Jagannathpatana manufactured crackers to earn their share of profits.
Being a seasonal occupation most of the children of these village bunk classes from Ganesh puja to help their family members and add to the family income.