Lucknow,

30 Sept (HS): Uttar Pradesh Deputy

Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that bamboo has been an integral part of

India's rich folk tradition, culture, and rural economy. The bamboo-carrying

community has kept this tradition alive for generations through their hard

work, skill, and craftsmanship. There is a need to create new employment and economic

advancement opportunities for the bamboo-carrying community by linking this

traditional skill with modern technology and the market.

Addressing

the Bansakar Samaj Mahasammelan organized under the auspices

of the All India Bamboo Carrying Federation in Lucknow on Wednesday;

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that the use of bamboo, from birth to

various rites of passage, has been an important part of our social and cultural

heritage. In today's changing times, bamboo can transcend its traditional uses

and become an effective means of environmental protection and employment

generation.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that

plastic poses a major environmental challenge, and bamboo can be a natural and

environmentally friendly alternative. Bamboo is being used to make many useful

and attractive products, including bottles. The growing demand for bamboo-based

products in the country and globally offers great potential for the

craftsmanship and capabilities of the bamboo-working community.

The

government promoting use of bamboo: He said that the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments are

continuously working to promote the use of bamboo and connect the traditional

skills of the bamboo-working community with the modern market. Encouraging

bamboo-based products and industries can provide new employment,

self-employment, and income opportunities for artisans. This will also boost

local economic activity.

Bamboo

is our cultural heritage: Deputy

Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that the craftsmanship of the Bamboo

community is not only a means of livelihood, but also our cultural heritage. It

is essential to preserve this heritage, connect the new generation with it, and

provide a proper market for the artisans. The government's intention is that

artisans with traditional skills receive a fair price for their labor and

products, and that they move towards self-reliance. He said that the expansion

of bamboo is important from all three perspectives: environmental protection,

preservation of traditional craftsmanship, and economic empowerment. It is a

collective responsibility to integrate the skills of the Bamboo community into

the mainstream of development by providing them with the right opportunities

and a wide market.

Banskar

community put forward demands: Referring

to the various demands and suggestions put forward by the Bansakar community at

the conference, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the community's problems

and expectations would be conveyed to the relevant authorities. Every effort

would be made to resolve their demands as per the rules. He added that efforts

would be made to ensure necessary action at the relevant department level on

issues concerning the Bansakar community's interests.

MLA and Chairman, State Safai Karamchari

Commission Dr. Lalji Prasad Nirmal, Chairman, State Safai Karamchari Commission

of Assam Baijnath Bansphord, former MLA and Chairman, Bamboo Craft Art Board,

Madhya Pradesh Ghanshyam Pironia, State President, Dr. Ambedkar Mahasabha

Pramod Saroj, Minister, Dr. Ambedkar Mahasabha Trust Amarnath Prajapati,

Pardesi Prasad Verma and other dignitaries were present in the program.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi