The Bengal Government has announced funding to the tune of Rs 11.5 crore for the proposed Light Hub in Chandannagar in Hooghly district. The hub is a brainchild of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had announced its creation last year during an administrative review meeting in Tarakeswar.
Chandannagar is famous for its lighting displays. During Jagaddhatri Puja in Chandannagar and during Durga Puja in Kolkata and elsewhere, the expertise of the lighting technicians is on ample display. It has been like this for as long time. A few have spread their wings to Durga Pujas outside Bengal too.
Now the government has decided to give a structured boost to this industry by creating a special zone. The government would have a comprehensive role in the hub. From training lighting technicians and helping them market their products to enable them to bag contracts for different Pujas, everything would be overseen by the government.
This would naturally lead to more and better employment opportunities, including opportunities for the experts to spread their wings to other places in India, especially where Durga Pujas take place, and even abroad.
After Mishti Hub, Muslin Hub and similar clusters comes the Light Hub. These hubs have given a huge boost to traditional small-scale industries. They provide a steady source of income for the families involved and also help in preserving the crafts.
Source: Khabar 365 Din