In a significant bid to promote “Vocal for Local” this festive season, the Haryana government has moved to lower the production costs for traditional earthen lamps by removing the royalty on its primary raw material: clay.
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Policy Relief: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini clarified that the extraction of ordinary clay by hereditary potters for cottage-industry use will attract zero royalty. This exemption is designed to help local artisans compete with cheap, imported plastic and electronic lights.
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The “Eligibility Certificate” Drive:
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Patrata Praman Patras: The government has launched a state-level drive to distribute these certificates. They confirm a family’s identity as Backward Class (A) and unlock specific welfare benefits.
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Land Allocation: In a historic move, the CM announced that panchayat land in 2,000 villages will be officially designated for the Prajapati community to source soil and set up kilns.
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Financial Incentives: Beyond the royalty waiver, potters starting micro-enterprises under the Haryana Rural Industrial Scheme will receive:
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15% Capital Subsidy on machinery and building construction.
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7% Interest Subsidy on term loans (up to ₹8 lakh annually).
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Impact on Diwali: For the local Kumhar colonies in cities like Rohtak, Hisar, and Karnal, this means a reduction in the “input cost” of a single diya by roughly 10-15%. “Usually, we have to pay middlemen or local contractors for soil. Now, with the government permit and royalty waiver, we can hope for a better profit margin this year,” said a master potter in Bhiwani.
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Cultural Preservation: The CM emphasized that pottery is not just a trade but a “treasured heritage.” The government has also sanctioned ₹1.29 crore for the renovation of community Dharamshalas across the state to support the traveling artisan community.
Administrative Support: District Commissioners have been directed to ensure that police and mining officials do not harass potters transporting clay in small tractor-trolleys or carts for personal craft use. The “Patrata Praman Patra” will serve as a valid transit pass for such activities during the festive month.
