The Assam floods 2020 which came during difficult times of the COVID pandemic, has had an immense impact on the weavers and artisans of the state. Since March Assam has been battling rising cases of COVID-19, which went into community transmission by April. The effect of the migration back home of those working outside has resulted in positive cases even in remote villages and districts. The already struggling local handmade industry which is heavily dependent on handloom and handicrafts has been severely impacted. Almost 90% of the weavers and artisans are from an agrarian background of sustenance with handlooms and handicrafts in natural fibres as their primary source of income. Most of the major communities in Assam are weavers with looms in their homes which supplement their meagre incomes through agriculture from tiny holdings. The money from weaving and basketry help take care of their personal needs like clothes, essentials and medicines. With regular income almost nil, these farmer/weaver/artisan families are now confronted with damaged crops, homes and looms/yarn and finished products. It is imperative that these distressed families across the identified 5-6 districts are supported with basic relief packages to tide over these dark times. Many of the weavers we have identified have not received any relief from any quarter till now. The government is busy trying to control the rising COVID cases, and with the continuous lockdown and curfew on weekends across Assam, organisations who generally support the government initiatives during floods are also at a disadvantage. Most organisations at the forefront of the relief are working at 30-40% strength at present time.

Districts selected

• Goalpara- Aspirational district having majority tribal and minority populations.
• Nalbari- Weaving/handicrafts clusters in the BPL category.
• Kamrup Rural- clusters of weavers with damaged looms and stock.

Provided kit comprising of

• Dry rations
• Baby food: This is a vegetarian, traditional product catering specially to the Assamese community. The ingredients in the ‘Jalpan’ is processed with rice flour, added with milk powder and sugar in a particular ratio. These are blended and packaged together. It is instant, ready-to-eat once warm water is added. It is low in fat and high in carbohydrates to boost energy.
• Menstrual hygiene products including sanitary napkins and soap

This relief kit supported a family of 5-6 people for up to 10 days.

Number families covered by this relief operation are 456.

Testimonials

“I have a family of seven members, and feeding them is always hard. We still do not ask for help. Your NGO member came and said you will give us food. I was surprised but happy” -- Anita Khakhlary

“This year has been so difficult for my family, as I am the only bread-winner. Due to the floods and disease we were unable to sell our clothes in the market. This gift has come at a very crucial time” -- Bina Kalita

“I have never taken relief before as we have our own field and I weave to earn extra income. During the last few months of lockdown there was no business and the floods damaged my looms. Thank you for the rations, we are grateful” -- Nirmala Daimary

“On behalf of the weavers in Sonkani village I would like to thank the NGO for giving us help during this difficult time. No one has come forward to help us till now” -- Dipamoni Bhuyan