Bengal Urged to Better Support Durga Puja Idolmakers

Durga Puja brings a lot of visitors and business to Bengal.

The people who make the idols are an important part of the festival.

But the article says many idolmakers have unsafe or uncomfortable workplaces and cannot count on steady jobs or pay.

Studio owners and Puja committees also have problems, including seasonal work and rising costs.

The writer says artisans should have better studios, job security, insurance and retirement benefits.

They could also teach their skills and make different kinds of art throughout the year.

Visitors could watch them work and travel between craft centres.

The article asks whether artisans could form businesses that they own and run together.

It warns that without support, these skills may disappear.