This paper evaluates the social issues faced by weavers in
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with particular regard to depression, physical
health issues, malnutrition and suicide.
Over the last 15 years, weavers in Varanasi have suffered
along with the general decline of the Varanasi weaving industry. The
preeminence of the illustrious Banarasi sari has diminished with the
increased popularity of synthetic and imported substitutes. Varanasi
weavers, already operating in a feudal employment and product
distribution system, have confronted significantly reduced opportunities
in this market.
Under these conditions, health problems,
malnutrition and poverty have spread throughout the weaver community. In
response, many weavers became despondent. Depression has emerged as a
frequent affliction as more weavers are unable to provide for their
families, and has lead to an increase in weaver suicides.
The
Varanasi-based People's Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR) has
begun documenting suicide deaths amongst weavers. Examining individual
cases reveals that these deaths are usually a response of weavers to
their disempowerment and inability to provide for their families.
PVCHR
has also worked to combat the social issues that lead to weaver suicide
by partnering with and helping to organize the weaver community.
This
has helped some weavers empower themselves with a sense of community
and increased access to health services, combating the growing threats
of social hopelessness and suicide. Other Varanasi weavers have
reluctantly accepted their decline, and many have shifted to non-skilled
positions in other industries, such as driving cycle rickshaws.
In
this report we examine some of the motivating factors behind the
weavers' plight. We also consider individual case studies from PVCHR's
field work, which offer an insight into the societal challenges weavers
cope with on a daily basis.
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