After losses due to rain, Ravana effigy makers seek relief from CM

JAIPUR: A few families involved in the business of Ravana effigy making met chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday and demanded compensation for the losses suffered due to this year’s rains before Dussehra festival.

“We are into huge losses and failed to sell any of the effigies as they became wet (due to rain). We had taken loan to make them,” said a woman effigy maker, while waiting to meet Gehlot at the Chief Minister Jan Sunvai (public hearing).

The unusual request from the Ravana effigy makers became a topic of discussions for all present at the public meeting.

The families, who came along with their children, apprised Gehlot of how rains a day before Dussehra washed away their business and three month of hard work. “Ravana effigies are made once in a year and takes 2-3 months of hard work. But this year everything was ruined in an hour of rains. We had taken loan to build the effigies and now have no option to repay,” said Mukesh, another effigy maker.

Gehlot assured of “all possible help” to the effigy makers and asked the district officials to look into the issue.

In another matter, Gehlot directed the Tonk district and police administration to stop a child marriage. During the public hearing, a 15-year-old girl, who had come with her uncle, told the CM that her mother died long time back and now her father wanted to marry her. Gehlot directed officials to ensure that the marriage is stopped and assured her of government help in her studies. An official present there suggested if the girl wants, she can study free at Sharda Girls Residential School.

Gehlot also met aspiring young boxer Arshi Khanam from Jodhpur, who showed him various national and international medals won by her. The CM assured her that the government will extend all facilities to sports and sportspersons.