Written by Meenakshi Jawale and Dipanita Nath

As news spread across Kolhapur that luxury brand Prada signed an MoU with Sant Rohidas Leather Industries and Charmakar Development Corporation (LIDCOM) and Dr Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation (LIDKAR), to make 2,000 pairs of limited edition sandals, there was hope and some questions.

Artisans say that the agreement is a good first step, but their main worry is getting direct pay. They fear the work might only go to a few government centers, skipping the very craftsmen who keep the tradition alive.

“The work should not stay limited to just LIDCOM. All the artisans in the Kolhapur district should benefit. The work should reach every artisan who has the ability to deliver the required quality,” says Rohit Govali

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