According to jewelers, Indian craftsmen, who left for their homeland after the earthquake after the quake, have not returned yet. Chandra Kishore Gautam, president of Gold and Silver Dealers Association, Kaski, said shortage of craftsmen have affected their business. "People prefer new and attractive designs of jewelries which only Indian craftsmen can make," Gautam said, adding, "Customers have stopped placing new orders."Officials of the association said around 1,000 Indian craftsmen work in around 250 jewelry shops in Pokhara. Gautam said only around 300 craftsmen of them have returned so far.
"We have asked the craftsmen to return to work assuring them that Pokhara is safe. We have requested them through Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to return to their respective jobs. Some have returned, but many are yet to come," Gautam said, adding that most of the shops are dependent on Indian craftsmen to make modern jewelries as Nepali craftsmen cannot create new designs.
According to the association, demand is gradually picking up after the quake. As this happens to be wedding season, orders for jewelries are increased but dealers have not been able to take them.
"Jewelers do not keep ornaments in stock. They make jewelries based on order from consumers. Now we are getting fresh orders, but we are unable to take due to lack of craftsmen," Gautam added.
Most of the craftsmen hail from Indian cities of Kolkata and Mumbai.
Sampat Dhanbade, member of Nepal-India Friendly Association, said that the craftsmen are gradually returning to work. "Local entrepreneurs have successfully disseminated the message that Pokhara is safe. We have asked them to return to work. They will come back as people have already resumed their normal life," said Dhanbade.
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