Pranpur’s Weavers: A Tale of Hope, Heritage, and Challenges

In the heart of Madhya Pradesh, the village of Pranpur, known for its skilled weavers and the famed Chanderi saris, is experiencing a wave of change. The village, recently tagged as a “Craft Handloom Tourism Village,” is home to Brijesh Koli, a first-time voter and aspiring weaver who dreams of owning his own handloom and clientele.

Pranpur, located in the Chanderi tehsil of Ashoknagar district, is predominantly inhabited by the Koli community of Dalits. Almost all households here are engaged in weaving, creating exquisite textiles on their handlooms. The village has seen significant improvements, including paved lanes and renovated homes, thanks to the efforts of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Scindia, who switched from the Congress to the BJP in 2020, is a revered figure in Pranpur. For the 450-odd weaver households, the Scindias, irrespective of party affiliation, symbolize government support and progress. The Madhya Pradesh government has invested ₹7.45 crore in revamping the village, painting walls with colourful traditional murals and promoting the local handloom industry.

However, the journey of Pranpur’s weavers hasn’t been without challenges. Elderly weaver Ramesh Badkul recalls a time when the weavers were in constant debt to moneylenders and many migrated to become wage labour. The intervention of Madhavrao Scindia, Jyotiraditya’s father and Congress minister, brought about a significant change. He introduced the weavers to companies and set up institutions to buy directly from them, reducing their dependence on traders.

Despite these improvements, the weavers face several challenges. They earn only up to ₹500 for a simple sari that costs around ₹2,500 and takes more than a day to make. Weavers who own their looms earn more than those who don’t. A loom costs around ₹30,000, a significant investment for many.

The weavers’ hopes are now pinned on the Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata scheme, under which about 2,000 weavers have received looms with a 90 per cent subsidy from the Union government. However, around 450 are yet to receive it.

The weavers also hope for better healthcare facilities and alternative employment opportunities for their youth. Hemant, son of Ramesh Badkul, advocates for a higher pension for weavers and assistance in selling their saris directly. Despite registering under the Handloom Mark central scheme in 2021, he struggles to sell at larger volumes and convince buyers of their authenticity.

As Pranpur’s weavers navigate these challenges, their story is a testament to their resilience, their rich heritage, and their hopes for a brighter future.