Priyanka ensures steps to solve the problems of traditional ceramic workers

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Member of Parliament, on Friday (June 26) assured traditional pottery workers that efforts would be made to address the challenges facing the sector, including shortage of clay, unreasonable prices of products and lack of modernisation. At a meeting in Nilambur to discuss measures for the welfare of traditional ceramic artisans, Ms. Vadra said a permanent solution would be worked out after a detailed study of the issues.

She noted that despite the availability of clay suitable for pottery in Nilambur and nearby areas, artisans could not mine it due to various constraints. Under existing rules, a licensed artisan can mine up to 50 metric tons of clay, but the number of licensed workers is very low, she said.

Priyanka suggested that the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) and local government institutions should take the initiative to facilitate licensing of skilled artisans. She also said restrictions imposed by the Forest Department on mining clay from private lands should be addressed.

The Wayanad MP said identity cards would be issued to workers in the sector and the feasibility of setting up a heritage village focusing on traditional pottery would be explored. She said that after visiting the pottery making centers and getting a report from the District Collector, another meeting would be called to arrive at a permanent solution to the problems faced by the artisans.

AP Revenue Minister Anil Kumar, Nilambur MLA Aryadan Shoukath and District Collector Vinay Goyal attended the meeting.

Published – 26 Jun 2026 21:22 IST