World famous Lucknow 'chikan' fails to find mention in political manifestos

Over the decade, the traditional 'chikankari' craft has been facing challenge from China-made chikan, which is about 50% and has a shorter production time-span, thus higher margins

The world famous ‘chikan’ craft or ‘chikankari’, synonymous with the rich heritage of Lucknow or Oudh, has always failed to figure in the discourse of political parties, both national and regional, even as the state capital gears up to witness polling in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2019 on Monday.

Nearly half a million artisans, mostly women belonging to the poor and deprived sections are associated with the craft, generating estimated revenues of about Rs 500 crore in wages paid alone. Although, the craft plays an important role in the socioeconomic matrix of the state capital, especially the minority