Makers of handicrafts in Tamil Nadu are in dire straits as the market for their products have vanished in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. “In Tamil Nadu 40-types of handicrafts are made and around 15 lakh artisans depend on the trade for their livelihood. But the pandemic has changed our life upside down,” said ‘Erode’ R. Radhakrishnan, general secretary of Shrusti, Tamil Nadu Artisans Welfare Association. The artisans of Kanyakumari have borne the brunt more since 30 of the 40 handicrafts are made in the district. He said the artisans had registered themselves with the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation and the government could easily identify them to release monetary assistance.

Source: The Hindu April 14, 2020 18:00 UTC