Goods and Services Tax, cut-throat competition, and rising eco-awareness are squeezing the profit margins of artisans crafting Ganesh idols in the city. In the lanes and bylanes of Dhoolpet, Mangalhat, Aramghar Colony and other areas where artistes spend five months creating idols there is an air of gloom despite the colourful surroundings.
“A bag of plaster of paris (gypsum) now costs ₹220 due to 18% GST. Last year, the same quantity of raw material was available for ₹140-150. We will have to sell the idols at a higher price if we are to make some money,” says Anand Singh, taking a break from painting an idol near Dilawar Gunj.
Tax burden
Each bag contains 25kg of PoP. “I had to use 15 bags of PoP for this 11-feet idol. That 12-feet idol has about 30 bags of PoP. The GST on paints is now 28% up from 18%. The 20-litre can of paint now costs ₹4600 up from ₹4000. I have to factor that cost as well. We are still estimating the cost of the final product. But definitely I cannot sell for last year’s prices, though buyers expect that,” says Shravan Singh, crafting an idol in his small rented warehouse in Aramghar Colony.
The narrow lanes of the area are dotted with small as well as big workshops with artisans toiling day and night to create brightly coloured idols. Most of the artistes said they will have a tough time disposing of the idols with reasonable profits, this year round.
Will this higher price of PoP and synthetic paints lead to artisans shifting to clay idols and natural colours?
Clay idols
“No. Clay idols are difficult and time consuming to make. We cannot make them taller than 3 feet while most communal installations require the height to be above 6 feet for good visibility. But next year, there may be a difference,” said Shravan Singh.
One of the best known artists in the city Sundar Kalakar is not bothered about the higher prices. “This is a matter of faith for me. I make these idols which are sent to far away places like Cuttack, Guntur, Bijapur and even to some places in Tamil Nadu. Devotees are always willing to pay for quality. But yes, some smaller idol makers may be affected due to higher cost of raw materials,” said Mr. Kalakar.