Hajo: Small Industries Development Bank of India(SIDBI), in partnership with Youthcove Foundation in Guwahati, organized an MSME Cluster Outreach Program at the Brass and Bell Metal Cluster in Bishnuram Medhi Auditorium, S.B.S.K.R. Higher Secondary School on October 25, 2024. Around 250 people graced the occasion with the backing from the Industries, Commerce, and Public Enterprise Department, District Industries and Commerce Centre (DI&CC), and the MSME Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO).
During his opening speech, Deputy General Manager of SIDBI Pradip Kumar Nath, described the objectives of the program and stressed on the significance of establishing a sustainable business environment for artisans in Hajo. He revealed intentions to hold Skills Development Workshops based on necessity to improve design skills and business acumen of local artisans. He also emphasized on SIDBI's plans to establish a new sub-branch in Hajo to enhance its assistance to the local residents.
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Another Deputy General Manager of the Reserve Bank of India, Aloka Ranjan Ranarahu advised artisans to keep themselves updated on government schemes designed to revitalize traditional industries. Aloka Ranjan offered advice on how to apply for loans and stressed the importance of following banking terms to prevent being denied.
Other speakers including Chief Manager of SBI Pinak Dutta commended SIDBI’s efforts to unite stakeholders to discuss the revival of Hajo’s Brass Metal craft. Siddhartha Barua, Assistant Director of MSME, spoke about revitalizing the Common Facility Centre in Hajo to enhance commercialization of local products. Sri. Pallab Goswami, State Programme Head of ASRLM, encouraged product diversification and marketing strategies for Hajo's handicrafts.
Artisan representatives, such as Amin Ali, General Secretary of the Brass and Bell Metal Artisans’ Cluster Committee, shared their challenges, including rising raw material costs, manual crafting processes, and market access issues. Amin Ali expressed concerns over middlemen affecting profit margins and discouraging younger generations from entering the trade.
The program concluded with a strong commitment to address the pressing issues facing Hajo's Brass and Bell Metal industry as participants pledged to focus on capacity-building, product development, and diversification initiatives to preserve this near-extinct craft.
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