137

CHAPTER VI

NEEDS, PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS OF WOMAN ARTISANS IN HANDICRAFTS SECTOR

The present chapter deals with the needs, constraints and problems of the

woman artisans in handicraft sector of both tribal and non tribal areas. It focuses the

most important needs of the tribal and non-tribal woman artisans in handicraft sector

of Orissa. In previous chapters we discussed about the social, economic and

motivational factors behind all woman artisans of Orissa. It collects information of

needs and problems of the woman artisans in India in General and need and

problems of the woman artisans of Orissa in particular. As far as need as problems

of the woman artisans are concerned, their needs are based on certain requirements

and their problems are also varied from other woman.

Besides all developmental facilities for the development of woman artisans

in handicraft sector by the Government still there are certain gaps which are needed

to be bridge first. All policies and schemes have remark their eligible criteria for the

beneficiaries to avail the developmental services. And no doubt the woman artisans

are applying for the same, but from the fieldwork the researcher found that, what it

seems to outside be not the actual face of handicraft sector, there are many

drawbacks are prevails in this sector.

Despite of good industrialization and excellent participation in the modern

world economy, still millions of Indians depend on indigenous modes of production,

traditional skill and technique to make a living based hand made products. These

crafts people or artisans are the back bone of the non-farm rural economy, with an

estimated 7 million artisans according to official figures (and up to 200 million

artisans according to other sources) engaged in craft production to earn livelihood,

(Jena, P.K, 2008).

There are lots of problems prevail in handicrafts sector in general those are

given below:

• Training related

• Marketing

138

• Raw materials

• Assistance

• Advertisement

• Advanced technology based

• Middle Man/ Traders

• Development of the Products

• Health related problems

• Connecting the Government programmes with the beneficiaries

And apart from the above problem there are other indirect problems are

affecting the productivity and status of women artisans. The problems related to

family, and problems related to women artisans personal life is not being address by

any institutions. However these problems are major problems, which creates

obstacle in progress of women artisan. So not only the problems in handicrafts

sector but also the personal life problems and needs of the artisan should be address

by the government and non-government organizations to provide them better

development.

As far as the need is concern, the women artisan are require job security,

wage security and getting a minimum wage, educational facilities for their children,

easy procurement of raw materials, financial assistance from government, family

assistance from their family members, better marking facilities to sell their products,

adequate opportunities to attend and participate in craft exhibitions, advanced skill

and design development training and cooperation of the government officials. In this

present chapter the researcher have tried to find out whether the women artisans are

being fulfilled by the government or not. If it is being not fulfilled then what are the

factors which created obstacles to get benefit of these above mentioned needs are

requirements. And in the seconds part of the chapter the researcher found the

problems and constraints which the women artisan are coming across while making

and marketing the handicrafts products.

139

SECTION-I

Needs and Problems of the Respondents

6.1 Type of Problems

Table 6.1

Distribution of Respondents as per the Problems in Handicrafts Sector

Attributes S. No

Lack of skill

and design

development

training

Lack of

financial

assistance

from Govt

Non

availability

of raw

materials

Lack of

marketing

facilities

Increasing

cost of

raw

materials

Above

all

Total

1 Tribe 39

(19.5%)

47

(23.5%)

19

(9.5%)

42

(21%)

16

(8%)

37

(18.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe

21

(10.5%)

75

(37.5%)

16

(8%)

63

(31.5%)

5

(2.5%)

20

(10%)

200

(100%)

Total 60 122 35 105 21 57 400

Figure 6.1

The above table 6.1 shows the distribution of respondents on the basis of

their problems faced during making of handicrafts and over all in their development

of handicraft sector.

The above table indicates majority 23.5 percent of respondents have replied

140

that due to lack of financial assistance from Govt. they are not able to grow in the

handicraft sector. Followed by 21 percent respondents have replied that due to lack

of good marketing facilities they are facing problems to market their products. 19.5

percent respondents answers that due to lack of skill and design development

training programmes, they are unable to compete the recent market products. Non

availability of raw materials is being the cause of the problems and it answered by

9.5 percent of respondents. And 8 percent of tribal respondents said that they face

problems with increasing cost of raw materials and 18.5 percent respondents from

tribal group have replied that they face all the given problems like lack of skill and

design development training, lack of financial assistance from Govt. non availability

of raw materials, lack of marketing facilities and increasing cost of raw materials

etc.

On the other hand, among non-tribal group of artisan majority 37.5 percent

of respondents said that they are facing the problem of lack of financial assistance

from government. Followed by 31.5 percent respondents opined that due to lack of

marketing facilities they are facing problems in handicrafts sector. And 10.5 percent

of respondents have replied that they face problems due to lack of skill and design

development training programmes. Only 8 percent respondents focused the light on

problem of non-availability of raw-materials. And 2.5 percent respondents gave

answered to increasing cost of raw materials is being the reason of their problem and

only 10 percent respondents have replied to all the reasons are responsible for their

problems.

The analysis of above data indicates that as per the tribal and non-tribal

woman artisans, the biggest problem faced by in handicraft sector is lack of financial

assistance. And the second biggest problem is lack of marketing facilities and it is

answered by both and non-tribal woman artisans. And both group of woman artisans

gave the third problem in handicraft sector is lack of skill and design development

training programme from government side, whereas, the woman artisans wants more

intensive training for their skill development. So the government and the policy

makers have to focus more light up on above areas of handicraft development. So

that the problems can be solved and woman artisans can grow properly in this sector.

141

6.2 Available options for Market their Products

Table 6.02

Distribution of the Respondents as peer the options for Market their Products

Attributes S. No

Give to

middle

man

Sell in

local

market

Sell to the

Govt.

handicraft

outlay

(Utkalika)

Sell in

Craft

mela

Sell in

own

Shop

Total

1 Tribe 63

(31.5%)

79

(39.5%)

14

(7%)

35

(17.5%)

9

(4.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe

133

(66.5%)

18

(9%)

12

(6%)

23

(11.5%)

14

(7%)

200

(100%)

Total 196 97 26 58 23 400

Figure 6.2

The table 6.2 shows the percentage of respondents as per the availability of

marketing facilities in both the areas.

Among tribal woman artisan group majority 39.5 percent of respondents sell

their products in local markets. It is followed by 31.5 percent of the respondents

replied that they sell their product through a middle man. And 17.5 percent of

respondents have replied that they sell their products in craft melas. And 7 percent of

142

respondents have replied that they sell their products to Government handicraft

outlets i.e. locally named as "Utkalika". And only 4.5 percent of respondents said

that they sell their products at their own shops.

As regard to the non-tribal woman artisans majority 66.5 percent of

respondents have replied that they sell their products through a middle man. And

11.5 percent of respondents answered that they sell their products in craft melas.

About 9 percent of respondents sell their products in local markets. And both 7

percent and 6 percent of respondents have replied that they sell their products in

their own shop and to the government handicraft outlets respectively.

From the above table it is found that majority of the tribal artisans sell their

product is their local market where as among non-tribal woman artisans majority of

i.e. 66.5 percent respondents sell their product through the middleman. Among the

non-tribal the second most common way of marketing the products is display their

products at craft melas where as among the tribal artisans the second most way of

selling their products is giving to the middle man. So these are four are the major

options to sell the products of handicraft in both tribal and non-tribal areas.

6.3 Use of Technology in Handicrafts Making

Table 6.3

Distribution of Responses as per the use of advance Technology in Handicraft Work

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 43

(21.5%)

157

(78.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 171

(85.5%)

29

(14.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 214 186 400

The table 6.3 indicates the percentage of respondents on the basis of using

the advanced technology in making of handicraft work.

Among tribal group of respondent majority 78.5 percent of respondents said

they have not used any advanced technology in handicraft making where as only

21.5 percent of respondent answered that they are using advanced technology in

handicraft making.

143

As regard to the non-tribal women artisans majority 85.5 percent respondents

have replied that they are using the advanced technology in their work, whereas,

only 14.5 percent of the respondents have denied using of advanced technology in

their work.

From the above data it is clear that non-tribal woman artisans are more

dependent on advanced technology rather than tribal woman artisans and tribal

woman artisans more depend on manual work. And only 21.5 percent of tribal

respondents replied that they are using the advanced technology tools their

handicraft work.

6.4 Type of Technology used in making of Handicrafts Products

Table 6.4

Distribution of the Respondents as per the type of Technology used in Handicrafts Work

Attributes S. No

Machine Power

generated

tools

New and

modern

designs

More

finishing

Attractive

packaging

Total

1 Tribe 43

(100%)

0 0 0 0 43

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe

35

(20.46%)

29

(16.95%)

41

(23.97%)

58

(33.91%)

8

(4.67%)

171

(100%)

Total 78 29 41 58 8 400

The table distributes the percentage of respondents on the basis of type of

advanced technology tools are being used in making of handicraft items.

As regard to the using of advanced technology in handicraft making only

21.5 percent of the respondents form tribal group have replied that they all are using

machine for making the handicraft items/products.

Whereas from non-tribal woman artisans 20.46 percent respondents said that

they are using machine as an advanced tool for making the handicraft items. And

16.95 percent of the respondents replied that they are using power generated tools

for handicraft making. 23.97 percent of respondents answered for using new and

modern designing as an advanced technology in handicraft making. And 33.91

144

percent of artisans replied that they gave more focused to more finishing products

and for this reason they are using the machine as tool. Only 4.67 percent of non-

tribal respondents have replied that they are using advanced tools and technology to

make the packaging more attractive.

Here it is noticed that among tribal and non-tribal woman artisans 'machine'

is being used as an advanced tool in making of handicraft items. Apart from this new

and modern designs, power generated tools, to make products more finishing and to

make packaging more attractive are the advanced techniques are being used by both

tribal and non-tribal woman artisans. And also it is noteworthy that except machine

no other technological advancement is known to tribal woman artisans.

6.5 Presence of Middleman in the Village

Table 6.5

Distribution of the Responses as per the presence of the Traders/ Middleman in the Village

Attributes S. No

Yes

Total

1 Tribe 200

(100%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 200

(100%)

200

(100%)

Total 400 400

The above table shows the massive presence of traders and middleman in

both tribal and non-tribal villages. When the researcher asked this question to the

respondents in relation to the presence of traders and middle man, they all replied

positively that there is a huge presence of traders and middleman in their villages.

And the most interesting thing is that the researcher has got the same responses from

the non-tribal woman artisans.

So the most notable fact is that middle man or the traders are always present

in villages to assist woman artisans.

145

6.6 Problems faced while Procuring Raw Materials

Table 6.6

Distribution of Responses as per the Problems while Procuring the Raw Materials

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 118

(59%)

82

(41%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 152

(76%)

48

(24%)

200

(100%)

Total 270 130 400

The table distributes the responses on the basis of problem facing during

procurement of raw materials.

Among tribal woman artisans majority 59 percent of the respondents have

replied that 'yes' they are facing problems while procuring the raw materials and

same type of responses received from the non-tribal woman artisans. 76 percent of

respondents have admitted that they are facing the problems while procuring the raw

materials.

Thus it can be clearly observed that both tribal and non-tribal woman artisans

are facing problems regarding getting the raw-materials but this problems are more

among the non-tribal than the tribal woman artisans.

6.7 Type of Problems faced while Procuring Raw Materials

Table 6.7

Distribution of the Responses on type of Problems facing while Procuring the

Raw Materials

Attributes S. No

Unavailability Poor

quality

Unreliable

supply

High

prices

Lack of

test

facilities

Total

1 Tribe 44

(37.28%)

18

(15.25%)

27

(22.88%)

29

(24.57%)

0 118

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe

26

(17.10%)

26

(17.10%)

26

(17.10%)

53

(34.86%)

21

(13.81%)

152

(100%)

Total 70 44 53 82 21

146

Figure 6.3

The present table distributes the respondents as per the type of problems

faced at the time of procuring the raw materials. Here the researcher has received the

type of problems like unavailability of raw materials, poor quality of raw materials,

unreliable suppliers, and high price of raw materials and lack of testing facilities at

the time of purchasing the raw materials.

Among tribal group of artisans majority responses i.e. 37.28 percent came

for the problem for unavailability of raw materials in their local area. It is followed

by 24.57 percent responses came for high price of the raw materials, 22.88 percent

respondent said that they face problem of unreliable suppliers and only15.25 percent

of the respondents have replied to due to poor quality of raw materials they are

facing problems in getting raw materials.

As regard to non-tribal woman artisans maximum 34.86 percent of responses

came for high prices of raw materials. 13.81 percent respondents said that there is

lack of testing facilities to check the raw materials and 17.10 percent respondents

have equally gave stress to unavailability of raw materials, poor quality of raw

materials and unreliable supply of raw materials.

It is found from the above data that in both tribal and non-tribal woman

artisan groups are facing problems to procure the raw materials. So the government

and the policy makers have to be very attentive in this regard. They have to give

special focus to the artisans when they procure the raw materials.

147

6.8 Type of Problems faced while Market their Products

Table 6.8 Distribution of the Responses as per the Difficulties faces while

Marketing their Products

Attributes S. No

Growing

competition

Continued

low return

Scarcity

of raw

materials

Competition

from

machine

made

products

Total

1 Tribe 82

(41%)

33

(16.5%)

62

(31%)

23

(11.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 113

(56.5%)

51

(25.5%)

28

(14%)

8

(4%)

200

(100%)

Total 195 84 90 31 400

Figure 6.4

Then the researcher has inquired about the available marketing facilities for

woman artisans. While going through the above question, the researcher have came

across with the problems which are being faced by the woman artisans in both the

tribal & non-tribal areas to market their products.

The above table indicates the marketing difficulties which the women

artisans are facing in marketing their products. Here the data shows out of the total

respondents from tribal group 41 percent of respondents have said that they are

facing the marketing problem in their locality. Due to the growing competition of

the machine products and other advanced design their value of the products are been

148

deteriorating day by day. About 31 percent of the respondents have replied that they

are facing the problem of scarcity of raw materials and 16.5 percent of respondents

have replied that due to the continued low return from this handicraft sector and only

11.5 percent of the respondents gave their opinion that they are facing the problem

of competition from the machine made products.

Whereas in case of the non-tribal group 56.5 percent of the respondents said

that they faced the problem of growing competition of the market and 25.5 percent

of the respondents have said that they faced the continued low return from

handicrafts and 14 percent of the respondents have agreed to the problem that they

are facing the problem of scarcity in raw materials. And only 4 percent members

from the non-tribal group have opined that they are facing the problem of

competition from the machine made products.

So from the above table and figure it is clear that in both tribal and non-tribal

group maximum woman artisans are facing the problem of growing competition of

the market and due to the increasing numbers of the shops in the market and they are

also facing the problems of market competition from machine made products. In

case of the non-tribal woman artisans they have also said that costumers’ likeness

towards machine made products rather than hand made products and they also

replied that due to the machine made products the price of the products are also

varies.

6.9 Constraints and Bottleneck of Handicrafts Development

Table 6.9

Distribution of the Respondents on the basis of Constraint and Bottle neck to Development of their Products

Attributes S. No

Unorganized

market and

dispersal of

products

Lack of

working

capital

Drudgery Lack of

market

intelligence

Lack of

Govt.

support

Total

1 Tribe 27

(13.5%)

51

(25.5%)

0 43

(21.5%)

79

(39.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe

18

(9%)

32

(16%)

11

(5.5%)

44

(22%)

95

(47.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 45 83 11 87 174 400

149

Figure 6.5

In this table the data indicates the constraints which are the main cause for

the development of the handicraft products. Out of all tribal respondents, majority

39.5 percent of respondent have replied that due to lack of support from government

they are not able develop their products. And 25.5 percent of responses came due to

lack of working capital, 21.5 percent of respondents have said that lack of marketing

intelligence is being a great cause for their product's development and only 13.5

percent of the respondents said that as handicraft sector is an unorganized market

and dispersal of products are being the main causes of bottleneck development to

their products.

Among non-tribal woman artisans, lack of Government assistance & support

is being the main causes for their development of products and it is said by 47.5

percent of the respondents. It is followed by 22 percent of respondents have replied

that there is no facility to know the market intelligence so they are lagging behind to

know the market intelligence. Lack of sufficient working capital is a cause for 16

percent of respondents. And 9 percent of respondents have replied that though

handicrafts section is an unorganized market and dispersal of products are being the

constraint and bottleneck to their products. And only 55 percent respondents said

that due to drudgery they are unable to develop their products.

From the above table, the researcher has found that both tribal and non-tribal

woman artisans have gave equal importance to lack of government facilities like

150

govt. assistance, training programmes, lack of working capital and lack of marketing

facilities from government etc. But in the mean time it is also noticed that they all

are conscious to develop their products.

Here the researcher observed the willingness and interest of the artisans to

remove the bottlenecks and making efforts to develop their products and to sell them

in a large scale and in a large market. The artisans also wanted to open their own

showrooms, where they can display and sell their good products.

6.10 Expectations from Government

Table 6.10

Percentage of Respondents as per their Expectations from Government

Attributes S. No

Modern

design

development

training

Financial

assistance/

Loan

Better

marketing

facilities

Easy

availability

of raw

materials

Total

1 Tribe 41

(20.5%)

78

(39%)

53

(26.5%)

28

(14%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-

Tribe

18

(9%)

97

(48.5%)

74

(37%)

11

(5.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 59 175 127 39 400

The above table indicates the percentage of the artisans on the basis of their

expectations from government

The table shows that, among tribal woman artisans majority, 39 percent of

the responses came for financial assistance from Govt. It is followed by 26 percent

of the responses came for better marketing facilities, And 20.5 percent respondents

have replied for modern design development training programmes and only 14

percent of respondents have wished for easy availability of raw materials.

As regards to non-tribal woman artisan majority 48.5 percent of the

respondents have replied for financial assistance and support from government. And

37 percent of respondents have replied for Better marketing facilities and 9 percent

of responses came for conducting more numbers of modern design development

training programmes and only 5.5 percent of respondents have wished that there

should be easy availability of raw materials.

151

From the above table and figure, it is found that both tribal and non-tribal

woman artisans are wished that there should be more financial assistance from

government. So that they can be grown more and also they can able to develop their

products and their own social status as well. The second biggest wish of artisans of

both the areas is better marketing facilities should be available a nearby areas. So

they can sell or market their products without any worries. And the third biggest

wish from the government has to conduct more and more numbers of modern design

development training programmes facilities. Hence the artisans can participate in

those and can get a chance to enhance their skills in handicraft sector.

SECTION-II

Mobility, Autonomy and Decision Making Power of Respondents

6.11 Right to Decision Making in case of Earnings

Table 6.11

Distribution of the Respondents as per their Right to Spend their

Earnings by their Choices

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 167

(83.5%)

33

(16.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 79

(39.5%)

121

(60.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 246 154 400

Figure 6.6

152

The above table and graph indicates the percentage of respondents on the

basis of their right of choice to spend their earnings. Here the researcher wanted to

know the power of decision making in relation to expenditure their own earnings in

their own way. Somehow right to take the own decision show the indications to the

empowerment.

Among tribal woman artisans majority 83.5 percent of the respondents have

replied that 'Yes' they have the right to spend their won earnings by their own

choice. Whereas only 16.5 percent of the tribal woman artisans said they don't have

the right to spend their own earnings by their own choices.

As regard to the non-tribal woman respondents, the researcher has found an

interesting finding. Majority 60.5 percent of the woman artisans from non-tribal

group have replied that they don't have full right to spend their own earning at their

own will. Whereas only 39.5 percent of the woman artisans from non-tribal group

said that they have the right to spend their own earnings by their own choices.

Here one interesting finding has received by the researcher. It is noticed that

incase of accessing the rights, the tribal woman artisans are more ahead of non-tribal

woman artisans. In regard to spend their earnings the tribal woman artisans are free

to spend their money, whereas, non-tribal woman artisans are not free to spend their

own money by their own choices. So it is clear that in case of making decisions,

tribal woman artisans are more empowered than non-tribal woman artisans. And it

also reflects their social status.

6.12 Reasons for not spending their Earnings by their own Choices

Table 6.12

Distribution of the Respondents showing their reasons for not spending their Earnings by their own Choices

Attributes S. No

Due to the

pressure of

husband

Due to the

pressure of

In-laws

Due to the

pressure of

parents

Total

1 Tribe 33

(100%)

0 0 33

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 75

(61.98%)

23

(19.01%)

23

(19.01%)

121

(100%)

Total 108 23 23

153

In connection to the previous table the present table shows the reasons for

not spending their own earning by their own choices. Among tribal woman artisans

only 16.5 percent said that they don't have the right to spend their earnings by their

own choice, by asking the reasons all the respondents have replied that due to the

pressure of husbands they are just giving all of the earnings to their husbands.

From the non-tribal woman artisans the researcher has received the mixed

responses. Out of 100 percent (121) respondents, majority 61.98 percent of

respondents have replied that they give their money to their husbands and remaining

38 percent of the respondent have equally replied that due to the pressure from

parents and in-laws they are not able to spend their own earning by their own

choices. So it is noticed that they give their earnings to in-laws, parents and

husbands. There is no access over spending their own earnings by their own choices.

It is clear from the above date that non-tribal woman artisans are lacking

behind in decision making in compare to tribal woman artisans.

6.13 Right to take Family Decisions

Table 6.13

Distribution of the Respondents on the basis of taking the Family Decisions

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 136

(68%)

64

(32%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 48

(24%)

152

(76%)

200

(100%)

Total 184 216 400

The table 6.13 reflects the percentage of respondents on the basis of right to

take all decisions in family matters.

Among tribal woman artisans 68 percent of the respondents have replied 'yes'

that they are taking all kinds of decisions in family matters, whereas only 32 percent

of the respondents said that they don't have right to take decisions in their family

matters.

Whereas among non-tribal woman artisans 76 percent of the woman artisan

respondents have replied that they do not have the right to take the family decisions.

154

They are depended on others in relations to take decision in family matters. But only

24 percent of the respondents have replied that they are having the right to make

their own decision in family matters.

Therefore on the basis of the above data it is found that tribal woman artisans

are more empowered in relation to make their own decisions than non-tribal woman

artisans. Here one interesting findings have found out from this study. Though the

non-tribal woman artisans are economically more empowered than tribal woman

artisans but in case of political and social empowerment tribal woman artisans are

more empowered.

6.14 Reasons for not taking Family Decisions

Table 6.14

Distribution of the Respondents as per their reasons behind their Decision Making

Attributes S. No

Husband Father in

law

Mother

in law

Children

(Son &

Daughter)

Any

other

Total

1 Tribe 39

(60.93%)

0 0 12

(18.75%)

13

(20.31%)

64

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe

33

(21.71%)

22

(14.47%)

17

(11.18%)

19

(12.5%)

61

(40.13%)

152

(100%)

Total 72 22 17 31 74

The table shows the percentage of respondents as per the reasons given by

the artisans behind their decision making. Among tribal woman artisan, majority

60.93 percent respondents have replied that in their family all major decisions are

being taken by their husbands. And 18.75 percent of respondents said that in their

family the important decisions are being taken by their son and daughter. And 20.31

percent of the respondents replied that all the important family decisions are being

taken by other members of the family. In this there is no role of woman in decision

making process.

As regard to non-tribal woman artisans 21.71 percent of the respondents said

that in their family the decisions are being taken by their husbands. And 14.47

percent respondents said that their father-in laws are the decision makers in their

family. Only 11.18 percent of the respondents opined that in their family mother-in-

155

laws are playing the roles of decision makers. And 12.5 percent responses came for

the decisions are being taken by children and 40.13 percent of the respondents said

that as they belong to joint family so in their family the decisions are being taken by

their brother-in law, uncles and sister-in-laws.

Here the researcher has received mixed responses from the respondents in

regard to decision making. But compare to the non-tribal woman artisans, tribal

woman artisans have participated more in decision making process. Tribal woman

artisans maintain their status and to take their own decisions in family matters. It

also shows the political and social empowerment of the tribal woman artisans.

6.15 Autonomy to Sell their Products

Table no 6.15

Autonomy of Tribal and Non-tribal Women to sell Handicrafts Products

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 174

(87%)

26

(13%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 98

(49%)

102

(51%)

200

(100%)

Total 272 128 400

Figure 6.7

The present table reflects the percentage of the respondents in regard to

autonomy of the respondents to sell their product at their own will. From tribal

156

group of artisans majority i.e. 87 percent of the respondents said that they have right

to autonomy to sell their products at their own will. And only 13 percent

respondents said they do not have autonomy to sell their products.

And among non-tribal woman artisans the researcher has found the mixed

responses from the respondents. About 51 percent of the respondents have replied

that they do not have autonomy to sell their products and 49 percent of the

respondents said that they have autonomy to sell their products. So there is no such

difference is noticed in non-tribal woman artisans in regard to sell their products.

Observations

From the above table and figure the data shows the level of autonomy of the

respondents to take the decision in regard to sell their products. It is observed that

tribal woman are having the full autonomy to sell their hand made products and only

13 percent respondents said they do not have autonomy to sell their products. But in

compare to non-tribal woman artisans, tribal woman have received more autonomy

to sell their products. Here non-tribal woman artisans have got the autonomy but not

as much as the tribal woman artisans. Therefore it also reflects the level of political

and social empowerment of both tribal and non-tribal woman artisans in handicraft

sector of Orissa.

Field Observation

During focused group discussion, a group of women artisan from Haatsahi village of

Pipili block expressed their feelings. There were 12 members participated in the

discussion. The members were married and belong to joint families. They expressed

that, they are here only for making of handicrafts and the rest of the things including

marketing and taking profits are being done by the middle man. They also expressed

that they are not even allowed to sell their products in the market by their own

choices. Their husbands and male members of the family not allowed them to sell

their products at their choices. They also expressed that their in-laws family

members are also saying the same. So it is found that cultural boundaries are the

main reasons and the second is the male dominating society. Due to the patriarchal

society, the women are lagging behind to achieve their actual status.

157

6.16 Reasons for not having the Autonomy to Sell the Products

Table 6.16

Distribution of the Respondents as per the Decisions taken by their Family Members

Attributes S. No

Husband Father in

law

Mother

in law

Children

(Son &

Daughter)

Any

other

Total

1 Tribe 8

(30.76%)

0 0 9

(34.61%)

9

(34.61%)

26

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe

33

(32.35%)

20

(19.61%)

17

(16.66%)

19

(18.63%)

13

(12.74%)

102

(100%)

Total 41 20 17 28 22

Figure 6.8

The present table has connection to the previous table findings. In response

to the question "who impose their decisions on you' the respondents replied

flowingly.

From tribal group both 34.61 percent of respondents have replied that due to

the pressure of children and other family members (parents) they don't have

autonomy to sell their products by their own choices and 30.76 percent of

respondents said that their husband helped them to sell their products in the markets.

Whereas among non-tribal woman artisans 32.33 percent of respondents said

that they do as per their husband’s instructions. It is followed by 19.61 percent of

158

respondents have replied that in case of market the products they take the guidance

of their father-in-laws. And 16.66 percent respondents said that their mother-in-law

guided them to sell their products and 18.63 percent respondents told that their

daughter and son guided them to sell their products. And only 12.74 percent

respondents opined that they take the help of parents and traders and middle man's

help to sell their products.

The above data shows the level of autonomy among woman artisans to sell

their products. Where the researcher have found that tribal woman artisans are

having more autonomy to sell their products, where as among non-tribal woman

artisans, they take the help of their husband, father in-law, mother-in-law, parent’s

help and the most important they take the help of middle man and traders opinion in

case to market their products.

6.17 Power to take Decisions on Mobility

Table 6.17

Distribution of the Respondents as per their Mobility and seek Permission for Mobility

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 51

(25.5%)

149

(74.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 141

(70.5%)

59

(29.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 192 208 400

The above table distributes the responses on the basis of their mobility to go

outside of the village area.

Out of the total respondents 74.5 percent respondents from tribal group have

replied that they don't take permission from family members to go outside of the

village and only 25.5 percent respondents said 'yes' they take permission when they

want to go outside of the village.

Whereas, among non-tribal group majority i.e. 70.5 percent of artisans

replied to 'yes'. They do take permission from family members when they want to go

159

outside the village. And only 29.5 percent of respondents have replied that they don't

seek permission from family members to go outside of the village.

From the above analysis it seems that tribal woman artisans are more

empowered in case of mobility rather than non-tribal woman artisans. And very less

no of the non-tribal artisans are having mobility and decision making power to make

their own decision by their won choices & interests. It also indicates the social

empowerment of tribal woman artisans. Socially the non-tribal woman artisans are

being deprived of making decisions in regard to mobility as well. So here the

researcher found that mobility among tribal woman artisans are more than non-tribal

woman artisans group.

6.18 Seeking Permission from Family Members for Mobility

Table 6.18

Distribution of the Respondents as they seek Permissions from other Family Members

Attributes S. No

Husband Father in

law

Mother

in law

Children

(Son &

Daughter)

Others

Total

1 Tribe 39

(76.47%)

0 0 6

(11.76%)

6

(11.76%)

51

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe

35

(24.82%)

20

(14.18%)

17

(12.05%)

19

(13.47%)

50

(35.46%)

141

(100%)

Total 74 20 17 25 56

Figure 6.9

160

To empower the women, they need equal opportunity, equal rights, equal

wages and proper access to their rights and laws. Women also need liberty to take

decisions and equal opportunity to implement those decisions in their live. The

above table focuses the reasons behind the woman’s mobility and decision making.

It also reflects the percentage of women in both tribal and non-tribal category wise.

Out of the total respondents 76.47 percent of respondents from tribal group

have replied that they seek the permission from their husbands in regard to go

outside of the family. And it is followed by both 11.76 percent of the respondents

said they seek permission from their children and parents to go out of the village.

Among non-tribal woman artisans majority 35.46 percent of the respondents

said that they seek permission from their parents to go outside of the village, and

24.82 percent of respondents said that they seek the permission their husbands,

13.47 percent of the respondents seeks permission from their son & daughter and

14.18 percent seeks permission from father in law and only 12.05 percent of

respondents have replied they seek permission from their mother-in-law when the go

outside of the village.

To conclude, the above the information shows the majority 35.46 percent of

non-tribal artisans seek permission from their parents and 24.82 percent respondents

seeks permission from their husbands where as among non-tribal woman artisans the

majority 76.47 percent seeks permission from husbands. Here it is clear that a non-

tribal woman artisan seeks permission more than tribal woman artisans. So in case

of mobility tribal woman artisans are more flexible and having more authority to

take their own decisions in relation to go outside of the family.

6.19 Level of Confidence to maintain their Family without any Support from

others

Table 6.19

Distribution of the Respondents as they able to maintain Family without the Support of others

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 107

(53.5%)

93

(46.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 72

(36%)

128

(64%)

200

(100%)

Total 179 221 400

161

Figure 6.10

The present table reflects the opinions of the respondents in relation to

maintain the family without any financial support from their family. Here the

researcher wanted to find out the independent power of the artisans to maintain their

family.

Among tribal woman group majority 53.5 percent of respondents said 'yes'

they can now able to manage their family without any financial support from their

family members. And only 46.5 percent respondents said that they won’t be able to

manage their family without any financial support from their family members.

As regard to non-tribal woman artisans majority 64 percent of the respondent

have denied that they are not able to maintain their family in respect to financial

matter single handedly. And only 36 percent said yes then can manage.

Here it shows the confidence level of the woman artisans. As the tribal

woman artisans are politically and socially more empowered so they said yes they

can manage and it shows their confidence and courage as well. But among non-tribal

group majority 64 percent have replied strongly that they are not able to manage the

family independently. It also reflects that as they are not able to take the decision so

they think they would not be able to manage the family independently. Tribal

woman artisans are more enable than non-tribal woman artisans.

162

6.20 Reason behind their Incapability to Maintain Family

Table 6.20

Distribution of the Respondents as per Reasons behind their Incapability

Attributes S. No

In sufficient

income

Lack of

decision

making

power

Lack in

confidence

level

Total

1 Tribe 71

(76.34%)

0 22

(23.65%)

93

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 35

(27.34%)

82

(64.06%)

11

(8.59%)

128

(100%)

Total 106 82 33

Figure 6.11

The table 6.20 focuses the reasons for why the respondents are not able to

manage the family.

Out of all respondents 76.34 percent from tribal group have replied that as

their income is not sufficient, so they won't be able to manage their family

independently, and 23.65 percent of the respondents said that due to lack of

confidence they think that they would not be able to manage the family

independently in future.

163

Among non-tribal woman artisans majority 64.06 percent of the respondents

have replied to the reason that due to lack of decision making power, they won't be

able to maintain their family independently and 27.34 percent respondents said that

as their monthly income is very less, so they will not be able to maintain their family

and only 8.59 percent of respondents gave their opinion that they are lacking behind

in confidence level. So due to lack of confidence they are not able to manage their

family independently.

Hence it is clear from the above data that among tribal woman artisans,

decision making power is high but due to insufficient income they are unable to

maintain their family. Whereas among non-tribal woman artisans it is found that

though they are economically well up but due to lack of decision making power,

they think they are unable to take the whole responsibility of the family.

6.21 Power to Buy Handicrafts Equipments

Table 6.21

Distribution of the Respondents as they seek Permission to Buy Equipments

Attributes S. No

Yes No

Total

1 Tribe 72

(36%)

128

(64%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-Tribe 166

(83%)

34

(17%)

200

(100%)

Total 238 162 400

The above table focuses the responses of the respondents in connection to

seeking permission from other to purchase the handicrafts equipments.

Tribal woman artisans, majority 64 percent have said that they don't seek

permission from others while purchasing equipments for handicraft work and only

36 percent respondents said that 'yes' they seek permission from others to purchase

the equipments for handicrafts work.

Among non-tribal group majority 83 percent of respondents said they seek

permission to purchase handicrafts equipments from family members. And only 17

percent respondents have replied that they don't seek permission from other to

purchase handicrafts equipments.

From the above information, it is clear that the tribal woman artisans are

164

more empowered in relation to purchase handicrafts materials, whereas majorities

i.e. 83 percent of non-tribal woman artisans are depend on others to purchase the

handicraft materials. So the tribal women artisans are having more liberty to

purchase handicrafts equipments.

6.22 Seeking Permission in Purchasing Equipments

Table 6.22

Distribution of the Respondents as seek Permission from others to buy

Equipments for Handicrafts Work

Attributes S. No

Husband Father in

law

Mother

in law

Children

(Son &

Daughter)

Any

other

Parents

Total

1 Tribe 39

(54.16%)

0 0 6

(8.33%)

6

(8.33%)

21

(29.16%)

72

(100%)

2 Non-

Tribe

35

(21.08%)

20

(12.04%)

17

(10.24%)

19

(11.44%)

50

(30.12%)

25

(15.06%)

166

(100%)

Total 74 20 17 25 56 46

The table reflects the percentage of responses, seeking permissions from the

family members while purchasing raw-materials for handicrafts work.

Among tribal woman artisans, out of 100 percent (72) respondents majority

54.16 percent respondents have replied that they seek permission from their

husbands while purchasing raw materials for handicrafts work. It is followed by

29.16 percent have replied that they seek permission from their parents and both

8.33 percent respondents have replied that they seek the permission from son &

daughter and any other persons from family while purchasing the raw materials for

handicrafts work.

On the other hand among non-tribal woman artisans out of 100 percent (166)

respondents 21.08 percent respondents said that they seek permission from their

husbands, majority of the respondents i.e. 30.12 percent respondents have replied

that they seek permissions from others like from middleman, and from other small

business man etc. And 12.04 percent responses came for father in law and 10.24

percent respondents said that they seek permissions from mother-in-laws. Non-

tribal woman artisans seeks permission from children (Son & daughter) is answered

by 11.44 percent of respondents. And only 15.06 percent respondents have replied

165

that they seek permission from their parents to purchase equipments and raw-

materials for handicrafts making.

To analyze the above table it is found that, the non-tribal woman artisans are

more dependent on their family members and other members while purchasing raw

materials rather than the tribal woman artisans. Though the non-tribal woman

artisans are more educated and economically more well off than tribal woman

artisans but in purchasing of raw materials for their occupation purpose they are

more dependent and always seek permissions from husbands, parents, in laws and

from children also. It also reflects from the above information that though tribal

woman artisans are less empowered in response to economic and education but they

are more empowered to take their own decisions. So here tribal woman artisans are

politically more empowered.

6.23 Changes found among Women Artisans

Table 6.23

Distribution of the Respondents as per the Changes found among Women Artisans

Attributes S.

No

Economical

ly self-

reliant

Socially

empowered

Able to go out

side of family/

village alone

Improvement in

life style

Improve

the

standard of

living

Total

1 Tribe 88

(44%)

0 0 58

(29%)

54

(27%)

200

(100%

2 Non-

Tribe

115

(57.5%)

21

(10.5%)

18

(9%)

25

(12.5%)

21

(10.5%)

200

(100%)

Total 203 21 18 83 75 400

Figure 6.12

166

The above table focuses the percentage of respondents on the basis of

changes found within them after engaging themselves in handicraft making.

The figure indicates out of all respondents from tribal woman artisans,

majority 44 percent of respondents said they become economically self reliant after

involving themselves in handicraft sector, 29 percent respondents said that they have

improved their like life and only 27 percent of the respondents said that they impure

their standard of living being in the handicraft sector.

Among non-tribal woman artisans group 57.5 percent respondents strongly

replied that now they are economically self reliant and both 12.5 percent and 10.5

percent of the respondents said that they changed their live style and improve their

standard of living as well. As per 10.5 percent respondents they become socially

empowered and only 9 percent of the respondent told happily that now they are able

to go outside of the family and village alone without taking support from others. It

means they become more flexible in mobility.

It is noticed from the above data that some extent both the tribal and non-

tribal woman artisans have improved their live style in any respect and now they feel

more empowered than before.

6.24 Suggestions given by Respondents

Table 6.24

Distribution of the Responses as per the Suggestions given by Respondents

Attributes S. No

Required

More

Financial

Support

from

Govt.

Subside

in Bank

Loan

Better

Marketing

Facility

Minimum

Wage

Rate by

Govt.

More Skill

and Design

Development

Training

All the

Above

Total

1 Tribe 28

(14%)

56

(28%)

20

(10%)

41

(20.5%)

38

(19%)

17

(8.5%)

200

(100%)

2 Non-

Tribe

6

(3%)

24

(12%)

11

(5.5%)

15

(7.5%)

6

(3%)

138

(69%)

200

(100%)

Total 34 80 31 56 44 155 400

167

Figure 6.13

The above table shows the percentage of responses on the basis of the

opinion of the respondents in regard to improve the handicraft sector.

Among tribal woman artisans majority 28 percent of respondents opined that

there should be more & more loan from bank in a subsidized rate. 20.5 percent

respondents suggested that there should be minimum wage rate fixed by the

government and 19 percent responses came for the suggestions for more skill and

design development trainings should be conducted by both central and state

government

More financial support should be provides by government, this suggestion

was given by 14 percent of tribal respondents. Out of the total respondents 10

percent of the tribal woman respondents have suggested for better marketing facility

and only 8.5 percent of the respondents suggested for all requirements like there

should be more financial support from government side. Government loan should be

given in a subsidies rate, there should be better marketing facility, and minimum

wage rate should be fixed by government. And more skill design development

trainings should be conducted by the government.

As regard to non-tribal woman artisans majority 69 percent of the

respondents have suggested for all types to facilities like there should be better

marketing facilities, required, more financial support from government subside bank

loan, minimum wage rate fixed by the government and there should be more and

168

more skill and design development training programmes should be organized by the

government for the artisans to improve their status and enhance their capacity. And

followed by 12 percent of the respondents have suggested for loan from Bank, 7.5

percent of the respondents have suggested for minimum wage should be fixed by

government. About 5.5 percent of the respondents opined that there should be better

marketing facilities for woman artisans to market their products in an adequate price.

And both 3 percent of the respondents have suggested for more financial support and

more skill and design development training programmes should be organized by

both the Central and State Government.

From the above table and figure, it is clear that majority of the woman

artisans from both tribal and non-tribal group have gave more stressed to all types of

good and better marketing facilities, subsidies loan, more financial assistance from

the government. and minimum wage rate should be fixed by the government. And

also they focused to the skill and design development training programmes. The

researcher also found majority 20.5 percent of the tribal woman artisans have wished

for minimum wage rate fixed by government to avoid the gender discrimination in

handicraft sector.

To summarize the present chapter the researcher found that the present

chapter contains the need, problems and experiences of the women artisans of both

the area of tribal and non-tribal. In connection to their needs like need of raw

materials, skill and design development training, good health care facilities,

adequate knowledge of marketing skills and strategies, need sufficient wage as per

their nature of work etc. It also indicates the experiences of the women artisan in

different handicrafts. In handicraft sector the previous work experience matters a lot

for them for their development. This chapter reflects the problems like scarcity of

raw material, low wage rate, high investment, low return, long working hours,

problems related to skill development training and design development training, lack

of use of advance technology, less marketing facilities, few knowledge of marketing

strategies, poor advertisement facilities, and less financial assistance from govt. side,

maximum interference of the middle man, no testing facilities for the raw materials,

less knowledge of costing and attractive packing, apart from the artisans are also

facing health problems which they obtained from the handicraft work like back pain,

weakness of eyesight, breathing problem, small injuries in hands, and other physical

problems. And wage discrimination on the basis of gender.

169

Again this chapter also focuses about those problems which are related to the

artisan’s level of awareness regarding the various developmental policies and

services of the govt., and their access to the benefits which are being provided

basically for the development of the artisans group. Though it is well known from

the different sources that there are many developmental schemes and policies have

been made for the betterment of the artisan group in India. But despite all these

facilities being initiated and provided by the govt. still the status of the artisan group

has not changed a lot. In different area they are suffering from many problems which

are creating obstacles for their development. From the very ancient time to till the

date they have not got the proper identification and recognition, which can be help

them to improve their level of status in the society. The artisans are being deprived

from equal wages, whereas the other unorganized occupation groups have not the

proper identification and recognition as well.

After analyzing the data the researcher found that about 25 percent of tribal

and 38 percent of non-tribal women said they face the problem of lack of financial

assistance from government. About 40 percent tribal respondent and 66 percent non-

tribal respondents market their products at local markets and give to the middle men

respectively. More than 85 percent of the non-tribal women artisan use technology

in making of handicrafts items. All respondents from both tribal and non-tribal

group said there is a huge presence of middle men in their villages. Majority 59

percent tribal and 76 percent non-tribal women artisans are facing problems while

procuring the raw materials and they mentioned that the unavailability and high

price are the main problems in case of raw materials. Growing competition is being

the major problem in case of marketing their products. About 40 percent tribal and

48 percent non-tribal women considered lack of government support as the

constraint and bottle neck for their development. Majority women artisans wish

financial assistance from government to start their own work.

In compare to non-tribal artisans, majority 83 percent of tribal women

artisans are having the right to spend their earnings by their own choices. About 68

percent tribal women artisans are taking part in making of family decisions but it is

very less among non-tribal group of artisan. In case of autonomy to sell the products,

about 87 percent tribal women have this right whereas among non-tribal it found

very less. About 70 percent of non-tribal women artisans seek permission from their

family members in case of mobility. Both tribal and non-tribal women artisans gave

170

their consent over become economically self reliant. And only 36 percent of the

tribal women artisans seek permission on purchasing of handicrafts equipments

which is less than non-tribal women artisans. In response to any change found in

them, both tribal and non-tribal women say yes they are now economically

progressed and it is a great change among in their life. At last the women artisans

suggest that more financial assistance should be provided from government so that

they can continue their work and would be able to establish their own enterprises.