Covid plays villain in Dhanaula’s toy story
DHANAULA (BARNALA): Their business was impacted first when imported toys hit the market, but Covid-19 has been the biggest challenge for Punjab’s toy town Dhanaula in Barnala district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, laying emphasis on getting vocal for local toys, however, has given them a glimmer of hope.
Located on the BathindaChandigarh National Highway around 12 km from Barnala, Dhanaula has for decade been an important market for wooden toys. For starters, toy makers feel, they should get some relief from goods and services tax (GST) and the government promote their products through exhibitions.
“We used to supply toys to Haryana, Rajasthan and Abohar. However, the coronavirus ruined it. We use rubber tyres for toys but during the lockdown the supply of tyres stopped. The factories increased their prices,” said Gurdeep Singh whose family is running toy business for 35 years.
He also suggested that the government should exempt wholesalers from GST as they could not afford to get a
GST number or hire accountants. “The government should also hold exhibits and install signboards of toy shops on national highways,” he added.
People heading to Bathinda, Moga or Chandigarh used to stop at these shops earlier. Now they drive past, say locals.
“We have not incurred losses in the last 19 years in this business. But Covid-19 has affected our business,” said Harwinder Singh Sohal, a wholesaler.
Dharampal Bhagat, general manager, District Industry Chamber, said the government was focusing on small industries by making clusters of such entrepreneurs. “I have organised a meeting and we discuss formation of clusters of these manufactures. The government will provide machinery and required assistance to promote wooden toys,” added Bhagat.