Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 9: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday announced a scheme to support around 400 Ganesh idol makers in Goa, aimed at preserving the traditional art of clay idol making, promoting environmentally friendly idols and helping artisans facing rising costs and labour shortages.

Under the scheme, the state government will provide clay pugmill machines free of cost to eligible clay idol makers once in their lifetime.

The government has notified the scheme for providing clay pugmill machines to clay idol makers for 2026. The subsidy scheme, initiated in 2008, aims to support the traditional art of making clay Ganesh idols, particularly in view of competition from cheaper and environmentally harmful alternatives such as plaster of Paris (PoP).

Sawant urged people to purchase Ganesh idols made of clay instead of PoP.

He said the state government had banned the sale of PoP Ganesh idols and that police were taking action against those selling them. However, he said the practice could not be completely stopped unless people stopped purchasing PoP idols.

"We have to protect the environment and we have to buy clay Ganesh idols in the state. We have provided training to artisans in Maharashtra to make Ganesh idols from paper and cow dung," he said.

Sawant also urged people not to use PoP and plastic pots for plants during functions, pointing out that plants may die within a few days while PoP and plastic pots remain in the environment for years.

"Next time, use clay pots made by local artisans," he said.

The chief minister said artisans originally from Goa could contribute towards building a "Swayampurna Goa" by approaching the concerned department to avail themselves of various schemes, marketing guidance and training programmes.

Sawant said the Department of Handicrafts, Textile and Coir was not merely a government department but also a platform to market products made by local artisans.

"My department not just boosts local economics but also creates entrepreneurs," he said.

The scheme is expected to help traditional clay idol makers deal with the rising cost of clay, paints and transportation, besides addressing the shortage of labour.