Date:28/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/28/stories/2007012819450300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

It is hard work

Special Correspondent

Bangalore: While political leaders on stage held forth on efforts at reviving the khadi industry in a globalised world, Vanajakshi from Belur in Bagalkot district has a different story to tell.

One of the 3.21 lakh khadi workers in the State, she has been brought here to demonstrate to visitors to the exhibition the processes that go into the making of khadi.

The frail woman from the rain-starved district reels khadi yarn at the weaving centre in Belur from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. On an average week, she earns no more than Rs. 200.

Her husband runs a petty shop. "It is hard work and very monotonous," says Ms. Vanajakshi, looking up to the centre's manager, Ishwar Betageri, for approval.

Mr. Betager adds that the district had had no rain for five years in a row and life is hard. Village industries are the only hope of employment where agricultural labourers are fast losing jobs, he says.