Located on Janpath in Delhi, the Central Cottage Industries Emporium was once considered a showcase of India’s art and craftsmanship. Today, both employees and artisans find their livelihoods at risk.
Employees allege that the salaries of nearly 250 workers have been pending for months. Union staff have not been paid in four months, officers in six months, and casual workers in two months.
Speaking to Newslaundry, an employee said, “My children’s education has been affected; we don’t even have money for medical expenses. We work in a government enterprise, but our condition is worse than in the private sector.”
The crisis isn’t limited to staff alone; suppliers, too, have been awaiting payments for months. As a result, supply lines have shut down, leaving thousands of artisans without income. A supplier told Newslaundry, “Thousands of artisans depend on us. If we don’t get paid, how will they survive? We are now left with no choice but to go to court.”
This has had a direct impact on sales. Where once the Emporium generated “Rs 15–20 lakh in daily sales, it now struggles to make barely Rs 3–4 lakh in an entire month. A showroom that once did business worth crores during festive seasons now lies nearly empty,” said another.
“Customers still visit, but leave disappointed when they don’t find stock,” said an employee.
CCIE has long handled gifting and renovation assignments for the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the PMO, and various ministries. But, the conditions have worsened to the point that even the air-conditioning has been switched off, reportedly because of Rs 202 crore in outstanding dues.
Employees claim their voices are falling on deaf ears. The staff union says dozens of letters had been sent to the PMO and ministries concerned.
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