Engaged in the lac-ware industry of Channapatna, Siddaramu has been working since the last 25 years making simple wooden toys for the local market (mainly tourists and passers-by enroute to Mysore) and napkin rings for the local agent of an export house. Three years ago, he began working for his current employer, after taking a loan to repay his previous employer. For the approximately 3000 other artisans in the lac-ware industry of this region, this situation of indebtedness is much the same. The recent decline of the industry, testified among other factors by the migration of existing artisans to other daily-wage occupations and reluctance of local youth to enter a 'failing' industry, has further aggravated this condition. Initiatives of the State/NGO/private groups in the past have largely focussed on specific aspects of vocational training, introduction of new machines, revival of the craft, etc; consequently, they have been limited in addressing related issues of markets, designs, skill enhancement, etc in a holistic manner.

Such an understanding of these issues has been possible for MAYA through its efforts over the last 3 years, of providing vocational training opportunities to introduce girls to the lac-ware industry. Last year, in response to an increasing number of artisans leaving the industry, the organisation conducted a detailed appraisal. Informal discussions with artisans, a sample survey and meetings with other stakeholders such as Govt functionaries, export houses, local shops, etc reinforced many of the issues discussed earlier. Perhaps most significantly, the absence of any institutional setup of the artisans, to collectively articulate and seek solutions to their issues, was recognised.

In keeping with the organisation's understanding of livelihood issues of the working poor as a systemic issue, last year, efforts were initiated to organise lac-ware artisans into groups that could produce collectively; simultaneously, distributing orders to existing small-scale private enterprises and thence initiating a dialogue for more equitable working conditions. While on one hand, these processes included providing orders to the artisans, it also focussed on discussing with them critical issues of new designs, skill enhancement, deterioration of quality and the need for a larger market presence. Presently, these processes are being facilitated with nearly 50 artisans.

To support its primary objective of facilitating the collectives to build their institutional learning and experience, MAYA has expanded the scope of its role to specifically address issues of marketing and design. Existing markets were studied and efforts focussed towards creating a niche market for children's educational toys. Moogli toys - a development brand representing an emphasis on quality, safety and developmental aspects - was promoted. Professional designers are being enrolled to develop newer products based on market demands but those that build on the artisans' traditional skills. Interactions have begun towards establishing partnerships with different stakeholders such as the State and private institutions to address issues such as raw material, machinery, social security, etc. affecting the industry.

Having taken these first steps towards addressing various dimensions of the lac-ware sector, the coming year will see a focus on building the collectives as mature institutions capable of partnering with markets, establishing a strong market presence, educating end-customers and different stakeholders and gradually evolving an approach that impacts the entire lac-ware sector.