Bhopal: “40% of bakeries here have closed”, election issues of owners

The historic side of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for the rich heritage of Nawabs and Begums. This area is adorned with notable antiquated edifices, such as the eminent Taj-ul-Masjid. Moreover, Bhopal is also acclaimed for its vintage bakery culture. This district is dotted with bakeries that have been serving delicious confections for over a century. This conveys people's fondness of food, at least confectionary, here. However, after engaging with the veteran bakers and sellers reveals a fascinating evolution within this industry.

Fourth-generation working

Early morning, Nanne Bhai Toast Corner, situated in the Ibrahimpura region, is still to open the gates for the customers. The industrious Kashif Khan, who is presently onsite, meticulously arranges an array of diverse toasts along the counter. A worthy heir, Kashif is upholding his family's legacy by expertly managing this business as the fourth generation.

“It has been almost 100 years since we have been doing bakery work. Our great-grandfather had started this work.” Kashif tells us.

Kashif himself has been handling his ancestral work for the last 5 years.

Bakarkhani is a speciality

Established in 1978, New Bhopal Bakery is now esteemed as a prominent brand. Danish Ali, currently present here, states, "Bhopal bakeries are renowned for their Sheermal and Bakarkhani." While this style of baking is prevalent in Old Delhi and Lucknow, Bhopal's bakeries are particularly famous for their Bakarkhani. Both Kashif and Danish emphasize that this entire industry is solely run by workers. Danish further adds,

“From how much flour to add to how much soda to how long to cook it in the oven, only the artisan labourer understands it all. In this industry, there is only an oven bus as a machine, the rest of the industry is run by the workers.”

Problems of workers

Inflation has steadily increased over time, and there is a marked decrease in the number of workers in this industry. Kashif attributes this decline to the scarcity of employment opportunities in the state. He believes, this is driving people to relocate elsewhere. Hence, it becomes increasingly challenging to find workers. Meanwhile, Danish says..."

“Forty per cent of the bakeries that were there earlier have been closed. Those who used to work there became unemployed. First, those people went out, then after seeing them the next generation also refrained from doing this work. That is why the workers have reduced.”

Rising costs, shrinking market

According to these individuals, product prices have reportedly doubled over the past five years. Danish attributes this hike to rising costs.

“Suppose if earlier refined oil was available at Rs 140, now it is available at Rs 240. The price of flour has also increased in a similar manner. Therefore the cost has increased and the prices have also increased.” Danish says.

He elaborates that the price of Bakarkhani, which was merely Rs 40 five years ago, has now escalated to Rs 80. However, due to the inexorable rise in inflation, the demand in this industry has considerably contracted.

“The customer who earlier took 5 kg toast now takes 250 grams. Because this toast is beyond his budget.”

Kashif reiterates that his business, which used to generate Rs 10,000 daily, has now dwindled to a mere Rs 5,000.

What are the election issues?

Kashif says that the government should first think about eliminating unemployment.

“When people have employment then they will have money. If they have money, they will not have to think about buying our goods.”

Danish asserts that the foremost priority for parties should be combating inflation. He maintains that his products, regarded as grocery essentials. Unfortunately, it become the first casualties when they surpass the budget constraints of consumers.

Danish says, “If the government reduces inflation, we will also get cheaper goods, then we will also be able to reduce our rates and sell to customers.”

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