MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS

GOLDSMITHS

Goldsmiths are found scattered all over the district, in towns as well as in villages. Most of them are hereditary workers. They make gold as well as silver ornaments. Sale of gold and silver ornaments is their principal occupation and money-lending is undertaken as a side business. In a village a goldsmith serves the society as a balutedar and is known as Sonar.

The tools and equipment generally required by the goldsmiths are anvil, bellows, hammers, pincers, pots, crucibles, moulds and nails, drilling machine, cupboards, etc. the cost of which varies between Rs. 400 and Rs. 1,000.

In rural areas the business is brisk during certain occasions such as marriage celebrations, festivals and local fairs.

The income of a village Sonar always fluctuates depending upon the order received from the customers. Most of the Sonars in the villages follow subsidiary occupations.

In big towns goldsmiths get job work from the sarafs and some times they are employed either on daily wages or on piece-work basis.

Gold Control Rules: The Gold Control Rules promulgated under the Defence of India Act came into force from 10th January 1963. The Rules in the initial stages prohibited all dealings in gold and making of new ornaments of gold with a purity of more than 14 carats. These rules have hampered the occupation by putting a considerable number of goldsmiths out of employment. Since the implementation of the rules a number of goldsmiths switched over to other business and services. The Government is trying to rehabilitate them by extending training in other occupations and also providing financial help. The subsequent amendment to Gold Control Rules makes provision for the re-making of existing gold ornaments of pure gold. This is expected to provide employment to the goldsmiths affected by the previous order. The number of jewellers, silver-smiths and gold-smiths in the district was 1,761 in 1961.

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