Women entrepreneurs were in a defiant mood on Tuesday.
Furious at officials for the poor turnout at the exhibition-cum-sale of products manufactured by women entrepreneurs — organised by the Department of Women and Child Development at Bal Bhavan, Cubbon Park here — the businesswoman staged an impromptu protest by not opening their stalls.
Alleging that none of them had had any business during the last three days because of poor attendance, the women entrepreneurs contended that Bal Bhavan was not the right place to organise such an exhibition as people were largely unaware of the activities there. The stalls erected in a haphazard manner also put the stall owners at a disadvantage, they pointed out.
No profit
Chandrika, from Chikmagalur, who has set up a sweater shop said, “I spent more than Rs 2,000 to ferry things from Chikmagalur and have to spend on food everyday. Forget my investment, I have not been to recover what I spent on transport,” she said. The park being closed for autorickshaws, public find it difficult to reach the venue. With no bus service close to the place, how can we expect a higher attendance, she asked.
The exhibition, organised as part of the Women’s Day celebrations, began on March 8 and will continue till March 14. Of the 207 stalls, 133 have been set up by Stree Shakti self-help groups. While Stree Shakti stalls are for free, a rent of Rs 100 is charged daily for other entrepreneurs.
Meera of Hebbal said, “What is the point in exhibiting art pieces paying Rs 100 a day if I cannot earn anything?” she asked.
Kusuma H Devadiga from Mangalore has set up a garment stall. She said “Last year the department held a similar exhibition at Vijayanagar. I earned Rs 40,000 a day. While returning to my place I had Rs 1 lakh. Here I am not earning even Rs 400 a day.”
The entrepreneurs have demanded a compensation of at least Rs 10,000 for every stall.

DEPT OWNS UP

The Women and Child Development Department has admitted its mistake in organising the exhibition at Bal Bhavan.
Department Secretary Shalini Rajaneesh said the department will in some way compensate the loss suffered by entrepreneurs. Addressing mediapersons at the venue, Shalini said Bal Bhavan was selected as it is in the heart of the City and close to M G Road. However, neither of these factors worked in favour of the entrepreneurs. The department has been making efforts to improve business by consulting retail operators. Authorities of Reliance retail chain visited the exhibition and discussed bulk purchase with the entrepreneurs. It has also begun returning the deposit money to the entrepreneurs.
Shalini made arrangements to ferry in the women state government employees who were attending a convention in the City, to the exhibition.