It may sound intriguing that people residing at Hrishi Colony, most of the residents are cobblers by profession for generations, are not showing interest in availing of training on leather-related activities.
Hrishi Colony in Agartala is believed to the first slum in Tripura with a population of around 2000. A Leather Training Institute was set up at the Colony years ago with the noble intention of empowering local cobblers through skill enhancement, – but over time, it went into hibernation leaving the community without the benefits it once promised.
Established by the late CPIM leader and former Minister Anil Sarkar, the Leather Training Institute was envisioned as a platform to provide training and uplift the skills of the colony’s residents.
However, the absence of willing trainees has led to its unfortunate closure.
During the recent Budget session in the Tripura Assembly, CPIM MLA Ramu Das raised concerns about the institute’s current state and inquired about the government’s plans to revive it.
Responding to the query, Minister Sudhangshu Das shed light on the disheartening reality.
“Despite the government’s persistent efforts, no one from the local community has shown interest in joining the institute for training purposes,” lamented Minister Sudhangshu Das.
“Regrettably, due to the lack of trainees, the institute has remained inactive. I appeal to local MLA Ramu Das to take the initiative in encouraging the residents of Hrishi Colony to avail themselves of the institute’s benefits.”
While raising concerns, local MLA Ramu Das did not mention any complaints against the quality of training and the Minister cited lack of interest among the locals as the reason behind leaving the Institute in a dormant state.
The Minister also requested Das to encourage local residents to join in training programmes in the Institute for its revival.
The predicament faced by the Leather Training Institute raises questions about the changing dynamics within the cobbling community.
While leatherwork has long been synonymous with cobblers, the reasons behind unwillingness among the local people of Hrishi Colony need to be explored and a proper survey should be carried out to understand the requirement of the locals.