Chikan makers for ban on Chinese import

Manufacturers of Chikan embroidery in Lucknow are pressing for a ban on Chinese import, saying it is imperative to rescue the traditional industry.

The market has been flooded with Chinese items over the past two years. These are much cheaper and also have modern design. Over the past year, many small zardozi (the embroidery) workshops have closed and opted for other trades.

“Our workers are poor and toil for two-three days to prepare one saree or suit, while Chinese machines make one within a few hours,” says Shalu Bajpayee, a showroom owner. “It’s not even possible for many to differentiate between Chinese and original chikan; many traders have compromised and have begun selling Chinese stuff. This is making hundreds jobless,” he adds.

Manufacturers complain of government apathy. “When Chinese toys can be banned, why not their chikan?” demands Kunwarji Khanna, a chikan manufacturer. He says the embroidery on Chinese chikan is done by machine and the design is made on computers.

The chairman of the state chapter of the Silk and Handicraft Promotion Council, CK Chhabra, supports the case for a ban, adding something drastic is needed for this sector. No government, he complains, has given much thought to the small and medium units in the chikan and silk sector.