Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Saturday announced a scheme for around 400 Ganesh idol makers in Goa to preserve the traditional art of clay idol making, promote environmentally-friendly idols, and support artisans facing challenges of rising cost of clay, paints, transportation, and as labour shortage.Sawant urged people to buy Ganesh idols made of clay and not plaster of paris (PoP). State govt notified the scheme for providing clay pugmill machines for clay idol makers, 2026.The scheme will provide a subsidy for clay idol makers initiated in 2008 with the aim of supporting the traditional art of making clay Ganesh idols, particularly in response to competition from cheaper, environmentally-harmful alternatives like PoP.The objective of the scheme is to provide a clay pugmill machine free to artisans once in their life time.Sawant said that state govt has banned the sale of PoP Ganesh idols and that police are acting against those selling PoP idols. However, this cannot be stopped until people in Goa stop buying PoP idols.“We have to protect the environment and we have to buy clay Ganesh idols in the state. We have provided training to artisans in Maharashtra to make Ganesh idols from paper and cow dung,” he said.Sawant urged the people not to use PoP and plastic pots (for plants) at functions as the plant dies in a few days, but the PoP and plastic pots remain forever, degrading the environment. “Next time, use clay pots made by local artisans,” he said.Sawant said that artisans who are originally Goan can make a Swayampurna Goa, and they should approach the department to avail the various schemes, marketing tips, and training. Sawant said that the department of handicrafts, textile and coir is not just a department, but a platform to market products. “My department not just boosts local economics but also creates entrepreneurs,” he said.
