Goldsmiths seek nod to resume their business

‘Many artisans forced to borrow even for their daily needs’

Goldsmiths want the State government to allow them to open their workshops as they have remained without work for several weeks now. Nearly 500 shops in Edapalayam, a hub for goldsmiths in the city, have remained closed since last month. “Our orders have already dropped steadily due to the pandemic. Most goldsmiths and silversmiths work for a daily salary of ₹500 to ₹1,000. As the workshops have remained closed for 45 days now, many are struggling to make both ends meet,” said D. Jayagopi, president, Park Town Gold, Silver Ornaments Workers Welfare Association. Workshops had little direct interaction with customers. Many artisans had taken to other businesses like selling vegetables and fruits, he said. N. Ramachandran, a goldsmith in Edapalayam, said they were managing with little savings and were forced to borrow even for daily needs.