Final Barpeta NASand WSReport 30 July

TraditionalFireworksofBarpeta
BarpetaDistrict,Assam
InteractiveNeedAssessmentSurvey&Design
StudyReportforDCSMSME

Micro,SmallandMediumEnterprise(MSME)
DesignClinicScheme
July2014

DesignExpert
ShirsenduGhosh
Fourth Dimension
8986459632,8294140504
fourthdimension.mail@gmail.com,shirseng@gmail.com

Withsupportof
DistrictIndustry&CommerceCentre,(DICC),Barpeta,Assam&
NIDMSMENorthEastRegionalOffice,Guwahati,Assam
DesignClinicSchemeofMSMEJuly2014:NASReport:ShirsenduGhoshonBarpetaTraditionalFireworks,BarpetaDistrict,Assam
Preface
WethankNationalInstituteofDesign(NID),AhmedabadandMinistryofMicro,SmallandMedium
Enterprises(MSME)forprovidingtheopportunitytocarryoutthisproject.
ThisReportintwopartsispreparedinpartialfulfilmentofDesignAwarenessProgrammeunder
the MSME scheme. The main objective of this document is to highlight the status of Barpeta
TraditionalFireworkclusterofBarpeta,Assamandmakerecommendationsforthebettermentof
thecluster,withfocusondesigninterventionatvariousstages.Thereportalsoattemptstobring
outotherconcernedissueswhichhavebeenmentionedofthereportaftertheinteractivedesign
survey.
The main source of information was from the proprietors of the MSMEs units the primary
beneficiaryoftheprogramme.Alloftheinformationwasgatheredoveraperiodoffivedays(1115
July,2014)undertheframeworkofMSMENeedAssessmentSurveyguidelines.
The design expert is thankful to Shri Dilip Kumar Barua, General Manager DICC Barpeta, Himadri
Das, Extension Officer, DICC, Barun Burman, Office Assistant, DICC Barpeta, Ms Nilufar Sheikh,
Project officer NIDMSME North Easter Region, Gopijit Pathak, Proprietor Barpeta Atisbazi and
othermembersfortheirunconditionalcontribution.
30July,2014 ShirsenduGhosh,
FourthDimension
Contents
DesignClinicSchemeforMSME..........................................................................4
Schemeinformation.........................................................................................4
RoleofDesigninImprovingCompetitiveness:................................................4
DesignClinicSchemeforMSME.......................................................................5
NeedAssessmentSurvey.....................................................................................5
Objectives:........................................................................................................5
Methodology:...................................................................................................5
ExpectedDeliverables:.....................................................................................5
Participants.......................................................................................................5
NeedAssessmentInteractiveSurvey................................................................17
ProcessadoptedinconductingtheInteractiveSurvey.................................17
FindingsfromsurveyoffiveMSMEsincludingissuesandsuggestions............18
UNIT1:AssamFireworksIndustries...............................................................18
UNIT2:ManisunaAtasbaziUdyog.................................................................30
UNIT3:LaxmiFireWorks...............................................................................40
UNIT4:MonaranjanFireWorks.....................................................................50
UNIT5:BarpetaAtasbazi................................................................................51
Packaging&LabelsofcompetingfireworkbrandsinretailmarketofNorthEastregion..........63
SWOTAnalysisofBarpetaTraditionalFireworkclusters...............................64
DirectionsAhead:...........................................................................................68
Designprojectopportunitiesatclusterlevel....................................................70
DesignClinicSchemeforMSME
Schemeinformation
TheMicro,SmallandMediumEnterprises(MSME)sectorisdescribedastheengineofeconomic
growthforpromoting equitablegrowth.Manycountriesthe worldoverhaveestablishedaSME
DevelopmentAgencyasthenodalagencytocoordinateandoverseeallgovernmentinterventions
withrespecttothedevelopmentofthissector.
TheMSMEsareavitalpartoftheIndianeconomy.Theycontributetoover45percentofindustrial
productionandaround40percentofthetotalexports.Thereareabout13millionMSMEsinIndia,
whichemployabout31millionpeople.ThusMSMEsarethesinglelargestcontributorintermsof
employment generation, besides production and export revenues in the manufacturing sector.
PresenceofMSMEsisseeninthevaluechainofalmostallmajorindustrysectorslikeautomotive
industry,garmentsandtextileindustry,leatherindustryanddrugandpharmaceuticalindustryetc.
RoleofDesigninImprovingCompetitiveness:
Designisanapproach,processandmethodology.Designisintended,purposeful,contextual,which
isaimedtocreateadvantage,distinctandfuturisticoutcometotheexistingscenario.Designbeing
asystemicandholisticinnaturehelpsingeneratingmorecreative,higherimpactandsustainable
solutions. Design intervention in business is to create value addition to existing products and
services.Throughdesignprocess,MSMEscanaddvaluetoproducts,services,andintheprocessto
theirfirms.Design,innovationandgrowtharecloselylinked.Innovationanddesignarenotsimply
about new products or technology. They are also about how to improve/diversify products for
everydayuse,leadingtoreducedcosts,increasedutilityandacceptabilityresultinginnewbusiness
opportunities.ItisrecognizedasaninnovativedisciplinethatcanhelpMSMEstosustainandgrow
incompetitivemarket.
DesignClinicSchemeforDesignExpertisetoMSMEs,auniqueand ambitiousdesign intervention

schemeforthecountry'smicro,smallandmediumscaleenterprises,isaninitiativeofMinistryof
MSME,GovernmentofIndialaunchedunderNationalManufacturingCompetitivenessprogramme.
ThemainobjectiveoftheDesignClinicSchemeistobringMSMEsectoranddesignexpertisetoa
common platform and to provide expert advice and solutions on real time design problems,
resulting in continuous improvement and value addition for existing products and services. This
model brings exposure to design thinking and process to the door steps of industry clusters for
design awareness, improvement, evaluation, analysis and design related intervention and
application.Designclinicschemewillassistclusterstoopenachannelfordesigninformationinflow
for creative, innovative and futuristic approach towards products, processes, operations,
manufacturingandbusinessdesign.
The scheme will help generate insight for opportunity identification and design intervention for
competitive and breakthrough solutions for MSMEs. The objective of Design Clinic scheme is to
enhance industry competitiveness and productivity with the help of design intervention and
applicationatvariousfunctionallevels.DesignClinicSchemeisstructuredtoprovidedesignrelated
helpthroughdesignawarenessseminar,designawarenessprogrammeanddesignprojectstogive
designinputstoproductsandservicesofMSMEstoenhancecompetitiveness.Theschemeprovides
financialassistanceatdifferentstagesforbetterimplementationofschemeanddesignawareness.
NationalInstituteofDesign(NID),AhmedabadassiststheMinistryofMSME,GovernmentofIndia,
asNodalAgencyforimplementationofthescheme.
DesignClinicSchemeforMSME
For easy percolation of design thinking and philosophy and maximum benefit for MSME units
implementation of the Design Clinic Scheme is spread into following 3 broad areas. These areas
helpinsmoothtransitionofdesigninterventiontoMSMEindustrialandbusinessclusters.
1.DesignAwarenessprogramme
a.NeedAssessmentSurvey
b.DesignClinicWorkshops
2.DesignAwarenessSeminar
3.DesignProjects(handledbyDesignProfessionals/StudentDesigners)
NeedAssessmentSurvey
Objectives:
Theobjectiveofneedassessmentsurveyistogeneratedetailedclusterinformationtounderstand
thecoreissuesrelatedto:
RawMaterialatdifferentstagesofmanufacturing
Infrastructuresetupandworkstation
Skillandtechniques
Surfacedesignpatterns,styles,motifsandpaintings
Productform,shapeandusage
Toolsandtechniquesinuse
Capabilityoftheclusterproducingunit
PresentMarketstatus
Customerexpectationandbehaviour
CurrentCompetition
Packaging,logisticandstorage
Exhibition,displayandmerchandising
Licence,Insurance&SafetyIssues
Methodology:
Questionnaire survey of owners of a sample of manufacturing and sales units. Discussion
withunitownerandartisans
Processobservationofartisansinaction
Findtracesfromearliertechniqueandusageoftoolsandmaterial
Selfobservationandanalysis.
ExpectedDeliverables:
This extensive design research is intended to provide qualitative and detail data of the cluster to
generate insights about this craft which would help to address the existing problems and future
opportunityareafordesigninterventionorscopeswhichcanbefurtherworkoutandcanbetaken
upduringthedesignclinicworkshopandareastakenupasdesignprojectswithinandoutsidethe
clusterscenario.
Participants
TheNeedAssessmentStudythedesignsurveywasconductedbythe
1. DesignExpert,ShirsenduGhoshinconsultationwith
2. FiveownersofBarpetaTraditionalFireworkMSMEunitsinassociation
3. DistrictIndustry&CommerceCenterBarpataAssam
4. National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Scale
EnterpriseNIDMSMENorthEastRegionalOfficeGuwahati,Assam

AssamataGlance
Founded:August15,1947
Population:30.94million(2012)
Area:78,550kms
Capital:Dispur
Districts:23
Languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo &
Karbi
Literacy rate: 64.28% (male 71.93% &
femaleliteracyrate56.03%)
Assamis a state ofIndiain thenorth

eastern region located south of the
easternHimalayas, comprising
theBrahmaputraand theBarakriver
valleys along with theKarbi
AnglongandtheNorthCacharHills.The
state is surrounded by six of the other
seven sister states: Arunachal Pradesh,
Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura
andMeghalaya.GeographicallyAssamandthesestatesareconnectedtotherestofIndia
via a narrow strip of land inWest Bengalcalled theSiliguri Corridoror "Chicken's Neck".
AssamsharesinternationalborderswithBhutanandBangladesh.Assambecameapartof
the British India after the British occupied the region following theFirst AngloBurmese
Warof18241826.
Assam can be broadly divided into three

distinct physical units, the Brahmaputra Valley
in the north, the Barak Valley in the narrow
protruding south, and the states hilly region
separatingthetwovalleys.

BriefHistoryofAssam
The region of Assam was mentioned by the
Chinese explorer Chang Kien as having trade
linkswithChinain100B.C.ThePeriplusofthe
Erythrean Sea and Ptolemys Geography also
acknowledgetheexistenceofthisstatebefore
Christ. The Australoids or the preDravidians
weretheearliestinhabitantsofthisstate.But,
it were the Mongoloids who entered the land
through the eastern mountainous passes and
overrun the land long before the time of the
compilationoftheHindureligiousliteratureknownastheVedas.
In the Vedic literature, the state has been mentioned as the land of Kirats with
Pragjyotishpur as the capital. In the epic Mahabharata, it is mentioned that the Kirats
fought against the Pandavas. Huen Tsang, the Chinese traveller, visited this region in the
7thcentury.Atthatpointoftime,PragjyotishpurwasknownasKamrup,whichwasthena
strong kingdom under King Bhaskaravarman. However, after this there was a gradual
decline of this region and subsequent centuries were witness to repeated onslaughts by
aboriginalsthatreducedthepowerofthekingdomandledtoitsfragmentation.Itwasa
timewhennosinglepowercouldholdswayinAssam.
With the advent of the Ahoms, the

center of power shifted from Kamrup
in Lower Assam to Sibsagar in Upper
Assam.

The importance of Lower Assam
declined sharply, except for a short
periodintheearly16thcenturywhen
the Koch dynasty extended their
western limits considerably under
their illustrious king Naranarayana.
The Mughal Empire was at its zenith
during this time and they took it as a
challengetocrushtheAhoms.Theyattackedthestate17times.Thelastofthewarswas
foughtnearthepresentdaySaraighatBridgeovertheriverBrahmaputrainGuwahati.In
thiswar,theAhomsgavetheMughalsacrushingdefeatundertheleadershipoftheable
general Lachit Barphukan. Lachit Barphukan achieved immortality for his heroism and
manyanecdotesarenowanintegralpartofthefolkloresofAssam.
The next centuries spelled troubles for this kingdom and save for a brief intervention
during the reign of king Rudrasingha, the state went on a gradual decline in the 18th
century.ThiswasthetimewhentheBurmeseattackedthisstateandannexeditintotheir
empire.However,theycouldnotholdswayontheregionforlongandin1826theBritish
forcedthemtocedeAssambytheTreatyofYandaboo.
With the rest of India, Assam also played an

importantroleinthewarofindependence.
It was declared a state under the Union of India
in 1947. At that time, except Manipur and
Tripura, the whole of the Northeast region was
called Assam. However, due to strong
regional distinctions, all of them were
carved out as separate states, starting with
Nagaland in 1963 and ending with Arunachal
Pradeshin1972.
DistrictsofAssam
Assamisdividedinto23districts:Barpeta,Bongaigaon,Cachar,Darrang,Dhemaji,Dhubri,
Dibrugarh, Goalpara, Golaghat, Hailakandi, Jorhat, Kamrup, Karbi Anglong, Karimganj,
Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Marigaon, Nagaon, Nalbari, North Cachar Hills, Sibsagar, Sonitpur,
andTinsukia.
EconomyofAssam
Teabased industry occupies an important place in Assams economy. The 850odd tea
gardensinthestateoccupyanareaofabout2.31lakhhectare.Assamisknownforitsrich
forestwealthwithvarietiesoffloraandfauna.Coal,petroleumandnaturalgas,limestone
and minor minerals are produced in the state. Coal occurs in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, North
Cachar Hills, Sibsagar, and Lakhimpur districts. Assam is primarily an agriculture state,
whichaccountsforthelivelihoodofaboutfourfifthsofthestatespopulation.Morethan
70 percent of the workforce is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Rice is the
primary food crop; cash crops like jute, tea, cotton, oilseeds, sugarcane, potato, etc., are
also grown in the state. Also grown on a small scale are horticulture crops like orange,
banana,pineapple,arecanut,coconut,buava,mango,jackfruit,etc.
RiversofAssam
Assam has extensive river system consisting of the Brahmaputra, the Kusiyara and the
Barakandtheirtributaries.AlltheriversinAssamareliabletofloods,mainlybecausethey
receiveheavyrainfallwithinashorttime.Theseriversareintheirearlystageofmaturity
andareveryactiveagentsoferosion.Theriverwaterscollectatremendousamountofsilt
andotherdebrisandraisetheleveloftheriverbeds.Therefore,itbecomesimpossiblefor
themainchanneltocopewiththevastvolumeofwaterreceivedduringtherains.
EducationinAssam
Assam has an overall
literacy rate of 64.28%.
While male literacy rate
is at 71.93%, the female
literacy rate however is
only at 56.03%. Assam
has one of the largest
networks of higher
education in the entire
North East. The
institutions like the
Indian Institute of
Technology, Guwahati,
National Institute of
Technology, Silchar and
Guwahati University are
among the top institutes
of the country that
provide quality education to the students. The state has five universities; one deemed
university,oneinstituteofnationalimportanceandagoodmanynumberofprofessional
colleges.
Arts&CultureofAssam
Assam is rich in culture, ethnic groups, languages/dialects spoken
and literature. It is known forAssam tea, large and old petroleum
resources(thefirstoilreservesofIndiawerediscoveredinAssamin
thelate19thcentury),Assamsilkandforitsrichbiodiversity.Assam
has successfully conserved the onehornedIndian rhinocerosfrom
near extinction, along with thePygmy hog, tiger and numerous
species of birds, and it provides one of the last wild habitats for
theAsian elephant. It is becoming an increasingly popular
destination for wildlife tourism, and KazirangaandManasare
bothWorld Heritage Sites. Assam was also known for itsSal
treeforestsandforestproducts,muchdepletednow.Alandofhigh
rainfall, Assam is endowed with lush greenery and the mighty
riverBrahmaputra, whose tributaries andoxbow lakesprovide the
regionwithauniquehydrogeomorphicandaestheticenvironment.
The major handicrafts of the state include making furniture from cane and bamboo,
handloom weaving, jewellery making, sitalpati (or mat making), brass and bellmetal
products, pottery, woodwork, and kuhila koth (or fibre weaving). People of Assam use a
vast range of handwoven fabrics with intricate designs. Local silk occupies a prominent
placeintheAssamesesociety.Traditionalgarments(ChuriaformenandMekhelaChador
for women) are used for social and religious events. With growing impact of western
culture, traditional attires have given way to western clothes and majority of the people
canbeseenintheseclothesonly.
FestivalsofAssam
RongaliorBohagBihuisthemainfestivalofAssam.ItderivesitsnamefromtheSanskrit
Vishuvam when day and night are rendered equal through the vernal equinox. People
welcome the spring season and pray for a bountiful and rich harvest. This festival is
celebrated in the month of Bohag (midApril), the first month of the Assamese calendar.
TheexactdateintheEnglishcalendarvaries,butthefestivalnormallystartsfromthe13th
dayofthemonthofApril.OtherBihusareBhugaliBihu(alsoMaghBihu)andKangaliBihu
(alsoKatiBihu).
BarpetaDistrictataGlance
Barpetadistrictisoneofthemajorcitiesin
Western Assam,Indiaand is district
headquarters. It came into existence in
1983 as a separate district in Assam. It is
located 98 kilometres through Hajo
Daulahal road northwest ofGuwahati
state capital. There are regular bus
services available between Barpeta And
Guwahati (Assam State Transport
CorporationformISBT,privatebusesfrom
Adabari and also regular private public
vehiclesfromJhulukbari,Adabari/Hatigaon
of Guwahati. Train route is connected
through Barpeta Road (18 KM from
Barpeta Town) and airport and port is
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International
AirportandDhubrirespectively
Barpeta is located at26.32N 91.0E. It has an average elevation of 35metres (114feet)

with subtropical climate, with chilly winters and hot humid summers. It is 44km away is
the gateway to Manas National Park, one of the largest forests of Assam and one of the
few tiger reserves of India. There are three rivers Chaulkhowa, Mora Nodi (Dead River)
andNakhanda,bothofwhicharetributariestoBrahmaputrarunthroughthetown.
BarpetaDistrictprofile
Population2011
BarpetadistrictranksfifthinoverallrankingamongthedistrictspopulationsizeinAssam.
Percentage to total population of the state is 5.43. In 2011, Barpeta had population of
1,693,622. Sex Ratio in Barpeta as per 2011 census was 953 per 1000 male compared to
2001 census figure of 937. The average national sex ratio in India is 940 as per latest
reportsofCensus2011Directorate.In2011census,sexratioforchildrenbelowsixyearis
961 girls per 1000 boys. Sex Ratio in urban region of Barpeta district is 959 as per 2011
censusdata.InruralareasofBarpetadistrict,sexratiois953femalesper1000males.
LiteracyRate2011
AverageliteracyrateofBarpetain2011was63.81comparedto56.00of2001.Ifthingsare
looked out at gender wise, male and female literacy were 69.29 and 58.06 respectively.
LiteracyrateinruralareasofBarpetadistrictis61.47%aspercensusdata2011.
UrbanPopulation2011
OutofthetotalBarpetapopulationfor2011census,8.70percent(total147,353)livesin
urbanregionsofthedistrict.
RuralPopulation2011
Asper2011census,91.30percentpopulation(total1,546,269)ofBarpetadistrictslivesin
ruralareasofvillages.
Description 2011 2001
ActualPopulation 1,693,622 1,394,755

Male 867,004 720,069
Female 826,618 674,686
PopulationGrowth 21.43% 19.62%
AreaSq.Km 2,282 2,282
Density/km2 742 521
ProportiontoAssamPopulation 5.43% 5.23%
AverageLiteracy 63.81 56.00
MaleLiteracy 69.29 64.23
FemaleLiteracy 58.06 47.16
HistoryofBarpeta
The word Barpeta (b(r)pet/b(r)pi:t (Assamese: ) is derived
fromBarmeaningbigandPetameaningpond.ThusBarpetameans"landofbigponds".
In olden days, Barpetawasfullof bigponds. Anearby townis Sarupeta,the wordwhich
exactly means opposite to the former. In ancient times, Barpeta was part
ofKamapithadivision ofKamarupa. Medieval invaders continue to callWestern Assamas
Kamrup. In colonial and postcolonial times, it became part ofKamrup districttill 1983,
whennewdistrictofBarpetawascarvedout.
Barpeta is also famous for the various temples in the

district. It has been a place of great religious
significance and was known by various names like
Tatikuchi, Parabhita, Mathura, Choukhutistan,
Nabaranta Sabha, Kamrup etc. It was Koch King
Naranaraya who founded Barnagar (Sarbhog) the
present district which formed an integral part of the
KochHajoandAhomkingdomtilltheBritishtookover.
Barpeta is famous for the Satra known as Barpeta
NamgharorKirtangharacongregationalprayerhallfoundedbySriMadhabDev,agreat
discipleofSrimantaSankardev,infifteenthcentury.

TheiconicSattratemplesandthefamous'doi'oryoghurtdistinguishBarpetadistrictfrom
others. Barpeta is known for Barpeta Sattra Vaishnavite and Neo Vaishnavite Sattras
scattered all around the town and adjoining areas, important aspect of town's tourism
sector.BarpetaSattraisoneofthelargestandpowerfulSattraofAssamattractsdevotees
fromeverynookandcornerofAssam.BarpetaSattraowns22Hatilandi.e.equivalentto
onetown.TheBarpetaresidentspaylandholdingtaxtoBarpetaSattra(trust)andnotto
Municipalitytilldate.AlllandsaleandpurchaseinBarpetahastohavepermissionofthe
Sattra.ThisSattraislocated2kmnorthofBarpetatownandfrequentedbylargenumber
ofdevoteesandvisitorsasitwasaculturalcentre.ItwasherethatPaalNamandBeerNam
orThiyaNamwascreatedbyShriMadhabDev.Alargenumberofitemsusedbytheguru
including Sachipatputhis are still preserved here. Some of the surnames have an
associationwiththerolestheydischargedfortheSattras:
Pathak:TheyreadtheSattraversesknownasputhis
Gayan:Singers
Bayan:Theyplayedinstruments
Sutradhar: Their role was to prompt dialogues behind the stage which was to be
narratedbytheartist/performer
Ojha:TraditionaldancedramaperformersinSattrapremise
Das:SattraDasitaskwastokeepthepremiseclean
Hazarika:TheywerefishermenandduringSattracelebrationstheysuppliedfishes
tothepilgrimsanddevotees

HolifestivaliscelebratedatBarpetawithpompandgrandeur.ThepeopleofBarpetaare
veryhospitableandlivepeacefullymaintainingunityandfraternity.
Politics
Barpeta is a Lok Sabha constituency and it has seven Assembly constituenciesJania,
Baghbar, Sorbhog, Sarukhetri, Bhabanipur, Chenga and Barpeta. Syed Abdur Rouf, A.F
Golam Osmani and other prominent persons represented the Barpeta constitutional
assembly. Indian presidentFakaruddin Ali Ahmedwas a Member of Parliament from the
Barpeta. A medical college & hospital Fakharuddin Ali Ahmed Medical College has been
namedwithformerpresidentofIndia.
ImagesofBarpetatown
HistoryofIndianFireworks
In early 20th century, a Mr Dasgupta set up a Match factory in Kolkata with small semi
automatic Japanese machines, frames and gadgets imported from Japan. He made some
experiments with coloured matches. During that time two enterprising young men, Mr
Shanmuga Nadar and Mr Iya Nadar (cousin brothers), headed for Calcutta. The saw the
smallJapanesematchfactorynexttothelodgetheystayedin.Theybroughtwiththemfew
materials and attempted to make their first matches in Sivakasi. During this period,
coloured matches and Star matches were imported from Germany. Books on chemistry
helped them to improve the quality of their products. Having achieved a measure of
success in safety matches, coloured matches and start matches, they ventured in to the
making of sparklers then the most popular in small fireworks inUK and Germany. China
wasthenexportingonlyfirecrackersofseveralsizesandrangesbutnootherfireworks.
The germinal seed for the making of modern family of fireworks or small fireworks was
plantedintheyear1934whenCentralExciseDutyonMatcheswaspromulgated.Untilthe
outbreakofWorld WarIIin1939,therewereonlyhandfuloffactories inSivkasi,Trichur
and Irimjalakuda in Kerala state. From 1938 to 1944 the import of fireworks and
firecrackerswasobstructed bywar. Theshortagegaveafillip totheindigenousindustry,
which was in its infancy. During the year 1940, the Indian Explosives Rules were enacted
wherebyasystemoflicensingwasintroducedformanufacture,possessionandsale.Thus
cametobesetupintheyear1940thefirstorganisedfactorywithseveralprecautionsand
safetymeasures.Theshortageinthemarkethelpedthese,thenseasonalfactoriestowork
evenduringoffseasonandbuildupstocks.WithWorldWarIIcomingtoanendandthe
gatewayforimportofrawmaterialwasreopened,theindigenousindustryenlargeditself.
Theexistingfactoriesbroadenedtheirefforts;therecameintoexistenceseveralnewunits
ofwhichNationalFireworks,KaliswariFireworksandStandardFireworkswereprominent
intheyear1942.Therefactoriesstartedmarketingtheirproductsthroughthelengthand
breadth of India. By the year 1980 the number of firework factories had risen in 189, by
endof1986totalnumberoffactorieswere260inTamilNadualone.Otherstatesalsotook
upthisproduction.Past15yearshaveseenorganisedfactoriesstartingupinMaharashtra,
Gujarat,Karnataka,AndhraPradesh,WestBengalandUttarPradesh.
ThisphenomenalgrowthwasduetorequisiterawmaterialssuchasnitratesofBariumand
Strontium, Potassium Chlorate, Red Phosphorous, Zinc Oxide, Pyrotechnic Aluminium
powder,Magnesiumpowderetcbeingproducedindigenouslyandinplentifulquantity.An
importantfactoristhatfactoriesproducingtheserawmaterialswerenotfromSivkasi,the
mainfireworkproducingcentre.Anotherfactorcontributingto thespurtinproductionis
importantrawmaterialswereproducedbyfireworkmakersthemselvesatseparatesites.
Low rain fall and a dry climate prevailing in Sivkasi area contributed to unabated
production. What could have been consumed in three hours of Diwali night came to be
produced in 300 days, almost with overtime jobs during six months of the year. In
monetarytermstherehasbeenasteadyincreaseof10%annually,andtodayproduction
stands at an outstanding figure of 200 crore of rupees at the market value. About 90
percentofIndiasproductionoffireworksisatSivkasi.Therearemorethan800fireworks
(licensed and unlicensed) industries in Sivkasi manufacturing around 300 varieties of
fireworks. An annual business of Rs. 2500 crores (Rs. 8000 cores at the retail end) is
estimated.Thelicensedunitsemployabout1.3lakhpeopleandmorethanonelakhpeople
areemployedinunlicensedunits.Theissueofengagementofchildlabourandfirehazard
aretwomajorissuesofthefireworkindustriesofSivkasi.
FireworksinWestBengal
Firecracker/fireworkindustriesofWestBengalisoneofthemajorhouseholdindustriesin
India.NungivillageisoneofthefamousvillageofWestBengalproducingvariouskindsof
fireworkslikeflowerpots,Charkhi,colouredtorchetc.Around500unitsarenowworking
bothlegallyandillegally.TheseunitshaveagoodmarketintheNorthEasternregion.
FireworksinOdisha
In Padmapur called the Sivkasi of Odisha, its largely unorganised labour which
manufactures fire crackers, This cottage industry is yet to get recognition as only four to
five families were issued firework making permit, despite almost every household in the
villagehasbeenintothebusinessforseveralyears.About2500unorganisedlabourersof
morethan500familiesbelongtobothHinduandMuslimcommunitiesofPadmapurandits
adjacent Trilochanpur, Mahajanpur, Purbakachha, Madhyakachha, Campati, Hatikana,
Bahadalpatana and Jagannathpatana manufacture crackers to earn their share of profits.
Beingaseasonaloccupation,childrenskipclassestohelptheirfamilymemberstoaddto
familyincome.
OtherFireworks
There are unrecognised firecracker factories elsewhere including in Khusropur village of
Biharwhichareknownwhenanaccidentisreportedinthemedia.
FireworkofBarpeta,Assam
Firework of Barpeta dates back to about 130 years locally called 'fotoka'. Late Lakshiram
Pathak of Mojorhati was founder of fireworks industries in Barpeta who started the
industryaftergoingthroughaBengalibookonChinesefireworkspublishedin1885which
gave an idea of crackermaking techniques. The industry was also patronised by Queen
VictoriawhowassatisfiedwithworkofLakshiramPathakandawardedhimagoldmedal
anddonatedtwobighaoflandatBilortarihatiBarpetatoplyhistrade.In1910,Pathakwas
awarded a licence from the British government to carry on with his trade. After Pathaks
deathhissonLateNarahariPathakcontinuedthelegacyoftraditionalfireworkproduction
process.WithinthefamilyotherentrepreneurslikeLateMonoranjanPathakofBrindaban
hati, Nalini Pathak and Achinta Pathak of Majorhati, Late Amrendra Pathak, late Niren
Pathak, Gopjit Pathak and Deepmani Pathak of Bilortarihati all established firework
industries separately. Two grandsons of Late
Lakshiram Pathak through his son Late Ananta
Pathak took up firework making even though their
ownfatherhadnot.

There are altogether five Pathak families today at
Majorihat near Barpeta town. They engage local
labourersandaround30to35potterfamiliesinthe
trade.
GenealogyofFireworkclusterinBarpeta

LateLakshiramPathak

LateAnantaPathak LateManahorPathak LateNarahariPathak Dr.ChaturbhujPathak
Age76,RetiredProfinGeology,
residinginGuwahati

DeebakarPathak HarideepPathak
SettledinGuwahati SettledinGuwahati

LateAmrendrPathak LateNirenPathak GopjitPathak DeepmaniPathak

MsRatnamaniPathak

NaliniPathak
AjitPathak DijenPathak NirmalPathak AchintaPathak
Age68,Firework
Age60,Retired, Age53,servingas Age50,servicein Age45,Firework
servedFCI,since2 FoodSupply Agriculturedept,
yearsstayingin
InspectorPDSin Barpeta
Barpeta Karbalong

ContinuinginFirework

ThefireworkindustryofBarpetatodaybearsadistinctivemarkofexcellenceandidentity.
Customized fireworks are manufactured as per the needs and objectives of their special
clients,bestsuitedfortheoccasion.Theclientsespeciallybeforetheydecidetoplacetheir
orders,thecrackermakerssendrepresentativestotheclientstoplacetheparticularidea
and variety of the product. These aspects gave these crackers an extra edge over its
competitors as the service provided by the crackermakers exclusively for its customers.
During Diwali, marriage seasons, festivals or ceremonies, prominent clients who want
specialpyroshowsonlyhavetoputforwardtheir'needs.But,somewheredowntheline

themuchexpectedgrowthisthesectorisnotbeingachievedduetoacutefinancialcrisis
andotherissues.
Someofthefireworkproductsmanufacturedthen
1. Hile:Abombcylindricallookingmetalcasingwhichcontainedexplosivemixtureand
soilinside.Duringsilverorgoldenjubleethesebombswereingreatdemand
2. Asman Gola: A coconut shell contained the explosive mixture inside and then kept
insideahollowhardpapercasingcylinder.Afterignitingthecoconutshellwillflyinthe
sky.
3. Fanush:Itisapaperballoonanditwillremainintheskyaslongthefirebelowburns.
BarpetasproposedAtosbajiVillage
AssamgovernmentunderChiefMinistersdevelopmentfundRupeesSevencrorehasbeen
sanctioned to District Industries and Commerce Centre along with allotment of total 30
acresoflandtosetupBarpetaAtosbaziVillage.Afteraroughpatchin2012,the127year
old industry is set to have a common facility center along with other facilities. From the
seven crore, the government has sanctioned Rs. 3.5 crore to Assam Industrial
Infrastructure Development Corporation (AIIDC) on March 2013 and Rs. One crore has
beenreleasedforconstructionofboundarywallandlandfilling.Eachofthefivefirecracker
units have been allotted two acres land. According to the scheme, all necessary
infrastructureswillbeprovidedbyAIIDCandhandedovertothefirecrackersunits.
Gopjit Pathak along with four others were oriented in Sivakasi. They supply these
firecrackers to the Northeast with prices little higher than those fetched by the Sivakasi
ones.ThisindustryprocuresmostofitsrawmaterialsfromCalcutta.
NeedAssessmentInteractiveSurvey
ProcessadoptedinconductingtheInteractiveSurvey
The DICC Barpeta Office provided a list of SME units engaged in Traditional Firework
locatedinBarpetadistrictofAssam.
TheperiodmidJunetomidSeptemberisoffseasonandthereisabsolutelynoproduction
duetomonsoon.TheproductionpicksupfrommidSeptemberbeforeDurgaPujaandlast
till April and May. Hence the Design consultant could not photograph the fire work
products. Secondly due to off season most of the unit workers were also not available
workingintheunitexceptfew.However,namesoftheworkershavebeenrecordedand
thosepresentwerephotographed.
PresentlytherearefiveSMEunitsandoneunithasstoppedproductionsincelastoneyear.
The units do not have a standard DICC registration and explosive licence and are
functioningfromtheirresidentialunits.
FindingsfromsurveyoffiveMSMEsincludingissuesandsuggestions
UNIT1:AssamFireworksIndustries
AssamFireworksIndustries
AtisbaziBhawan,NearSankardevKalakshetra
Bilortarihati,Barpeta781301
Tel:03665235750,9954797018
Email:deepmanipathak@gmail.com
Proprietor:DeepmaniPathak,Age35
SmallScaleIndustryRegistrationno.02/05/06803registeredin1986
Unitsetup:Intheyear1885bylateLakshmiPathak(grandfatherof
DeepmaniPathak)
LateLakhiPathak
LateNarihariPathak
BanalataPathak(motherofDeepmani)
DeepmaniPathak
LateAmrendraPathak(elderbrotherexpiredon14June2014)
DeepmaniPathak
Deepmanihasbeenengagedwiththefireworksincelast20years.
Totalsaleslastyear:ApproximatelyRs.80Lakhs.Productionisbasedonclientorders
Totalprofitlastyear:ApproximatelyRs.20Lakhs
Fulltimeworkers:
1. DimpalSutradhar,Age32yearsworkingsincelast18years
2. ArupDas,Age23yearsworkingsincelast10years
3. GaneshDas,Age36yearsworkingsince12years
4. ChinmoyDasage28,workingsince13years
5. LokaDas33,workingsince13years
6. MrityunjaySutradharage31yearsworkingsince18years
TheaboveworkersarepaidmonthlysalarybetweenRs.5000Rs.8000
Seven months before Diwali additional 15 workers are involved on daily wage basis each
paidRs.250perdaywithrefreshmentandlunchandabout25workersengagedonweekly
basiswhoarepaidRs.250perdaywithfacilityofmealsandlodge.Thereisaseparateshed
forworkerstosleepduringnight.DuringthisperiodtwocooksarehiredforRs.5000and
Rs.7500each.Inadditionforall12monthsonenightsecurityguard(PradeepPathak)is
hiredonamonthlysalaryofRs.8500.
Imagesofalltheunitartisans

DimpalSutradharAge32 ArupDasAge23 GaneshDasAge36

AkbarAli

ChinmoyDasAge28 MritunjaySutradharAge31

ManjitDas
NavajitDas


Productrange:
Phuljari(FiredterracottacasingFlowerPot)InHindi Anar
Sl Category/Size Totalannualproduction Retailrateper Wholesalerate
no. (innumbers) piece(inRs.) perpiece(inRs.)
1 SpecialPhuljari(big) 300 1800 1200
2 SpecialPhuljari 300 1200 800
3 MediumPhuljari 1500 500 300
4 SmallPhuljari1 5000 50 30
Mata(Sparklers)InHindiPhuljari
Sl Category Total annual production Retailrateper Wholesalerate
no. innumbers piece(inRs.) perpiece(inRs.)
1 Matabig 500 150 100
2 Matasmall 20,000 5 3
AsmanGola(Skybomb/fireballs)
Sl Category Totalannual Retailrateper Wholesalerate
no. productionin piece(inRs.) perpiece(inRs.)
numbers
1 SmallAsmanGola(15Shots) 200 1200 800
2 SmallAsmanGola(singleShot) 500 500 300
3 BigAsmanGola(SingleShot) 500 800 500
4 BigAsmanGola(60Shots) 100 3000 2400
5 BigAsmanGola(36Shots 100 2400 1800
6 BigAsmanGola(24Shots 100 1800 1200
LetterGash(Alphabetshapedfirecrackers fixedonbambooframe)
Sl Category Totalalphabets Retailandwholesalerateofeach
no. productioninnumbers alphabet(inRs.)
1 100orders 1000alphabets 150
PattaLori(Crackers)1bundle=1000crackers
Sl Category Total annual production Retailrateper Wholesalerate
no. innumbers piece(inRs.) perpiece(inRs.)
1000bundles 500 300
1 Setof100bundles 10,000crackers 4500 3500
2 Setof50bundles 50000crackers 2250 1800

Bomb
Sl Category Total annual production Retailandwholesalerateofeach
no. innumbers alphabet(inRs.)
1 Small 500 35
2 Medium 500 75
3 Big 300 150(Onlyonorders)
There are some large size traditional fire crackers which are performed and displayed
exclusively by the trained SME unit staff. The staff members carry the fire crackers and
display during marriages and celebrations such as inauguration and closing ceremonies,
31stDecember,newyear,launchofashop,restaurantorshowroomsetc.Inayeartheunit
suppliesfirecrackerstoabout250marriagesandduringmarriageseasontheyhavetobe
prepared to manage and cater to 48 marriages per day. Each of these marriages and
celebrating events place orders which range between Rs. 15,000 to even Rs. 50,000
consisting of package of fire crackers Special large flower pots, Matar Gash, Cherkhy
Gash,LetterGash,SunBaziandcombinationsofAsmanGola.
Payment&Credit
The client pays advance between 2050 percent when placing order and the remaining
balanceamountiscollectedbytheunitstaffaftertheperformanceisover.In80percent
casestheclientpaysincashonly.
RawMaterials
Following seven raw materials are procured from Kolkata which are not available in
Guwahati
1. Sora Rs.120Kg
2. Sulphur Rs.70Kg
3. Aluminiumdust Rs.250Kg
4. Aluminiumpower Rs.450Kg
5. PVCpowder(forfirecolour) Rs.700Kg
6. Barium(forfirecolour) Rs.120Kg
7. Tanisium(forfirecolour) Rs.300Kg
Combinations in different proportions of the above materials different product range of

fire crackers manufactured. For example bombs require Aluminium power, Sora and
Sulphor.
1. Casteirondust(Lathemachine) Rs.4070Kg
2. Coaldust Rs.20Kg
3. Colouredpapertopaste Rs.40(24sheets)
FiredterracottacasingforPhuljari(flowerpots)
1. BigspecialPhuljari Rs.120perpiece
2. BigPhuljari Rs.100perpiece
3. MediumPhuljari Rs.35perpiece
4. SmallPhuljari Rs.20perpiece

Marketing
Thereareabout5060agents,tradersandshopkeepersspreadacrossindifferentlocations
mainly in north eastern states with whom the unit proprietor has a business tieup. The
retail shop owners and the firework traders deal with marriage ceremonial items, gifts,
cards,Bihufestivalitemsetc.TherearesevenoftheminGuwahati,threeinDibrugarh,one
in Shillong, one in Nuagaon, one in Bishwanath Chariali, one in Tezpur, one in New
Bongaigaon,oneinKokrajharetc.
Most of these individuals are trusted people who call the proprietor 10 days in advance
beforemarriages,specialcelebrationfunctions,festivals,andDiwalitoplaceorders.They
arrangetopayanadvanceof3050percenttoconfirmtheorder.
Oncetheordersarecompleted,iftheorderisbetweenRs.30,000toRs.50,000ifthereare
any free staffs, the proprietor arranges to send two staff with the consignment. They
cannottravelbytrainhencewillhavetotravelbyroad.MinimumRs.50007000isspent
on the cost of transportation, board, lodge, extra wages of the two staff members. The
consignment is delivered, may be performed by the staff and they return back after
collectingthedues.
BetweenJunetoAugustboththeproductionandmarketdemandislow.Itpicksuponly
justbeforeDusherawhentheunitmembershavenotimeeventohavemeals.Thereare
continuousdayandnightproductionshifts.
ViewsofUnitProprietor
Barpetafirecrackersareofgoodqualityascomparedtootherbrandsinthemarket
Entireproductionprocessisverylabourintensivemanualworkthereisnomechanised
productionprocess.
ThecostofBarpetafireworkproductsarehigherthanShivkasi
Wastepaperisamajorcrisisnoteasilyavailablelocally.InShivkasiitisavailableata
fixedprocuringsourceatacompetitiveprice
GeneralwageworkershaveotheravenuestoearnincludingagricultureunlikeShivkasi.
Theentireworkforceisdependentonthefireworkindustry.
WagestothelabourishighinBarpeta(Rs.250inadditiontorefreshmentandlunch).In
Shivkasitheentirefamilyof56membersincludingsmallchildrengetinvolvedandearn
Rs.150200perday.TherethechildrenalsoearnRs.3040perday.
Humidity and moisture content damages the finished product hence the unsold
products cannot be stored for next season. Shivkasi has completely dry climate best
suitedforfirework.
Barpetahasonly5fireworkunitsandascomparedtoShivkasitherearemorethan
800unitssupportedbythestategovernmentschemesandguidelines.
So far there have been no support provided on marketing by the state government.
Some fixed retail stalls in Guwahati and other NE state capitals will be of of good
support.
There is no paper cutting machine, offset printing unit or bamboo cutting, shredding
andsplittingmachines.TheproprietorsawonesuchsemiautomachineinNalbariwith
anestimatedcostRs.12Lakhs.

ImageGallery
ProductionProcessofCharkhi&SunBazi


ProductionProcessofPhuljari
Fillingexplosivematerialwithoutgloves
andsafetyprecautions
ProductionProcessofMataandAsmanGola
Fillingexplosivematerialwithoutsafetygears
andappropriatefillingtools,workstation
Competition
The product packaging and presentation is good of Shivkasi products. Both products and
packaging looks attractive and has safety instruction, logo and brand identity. A Sivkasi
paperAnarissoldforRs.60andBarpetaAnarforRs.30withmoregunpowderinside.

DesignAuditofUnit1
Sl Topic Observation PossibleDesignsolutions
No
1 Product 1. Theterracottaandbamboocasesare 1. Semiautomatedmachineswill
manuallymadesonotuniformof helpstandardisedthesizeofthe
standardsize casings
2. Someoftheproductrangelike 2. Existinglargesizeproductrange
Charkhi,SunBazi,LetterGash,Matar canberedesignedtosmalleror
Gashetcareavailableinlargesizeto mediumsizeandpackagedto
bedisplayedinopenandperformed caterendusertocelebratewith
byunitstaffonly childrenandfamilymembers
3. Thereisnogradingprocessorquality 3. Qualitycheckswillhelptodiscard
chek unevensizeandshapes
4. Fillingoftheexplosivemixtureinside 4. Designcustomizedprintedlabels
thecasesisofnotconsistentquantity. forproductcategorywithvisuals,
5. Thefinishedproductsarepastedwith logo,productcodeand
readymadecolouredpapersonthe information
surfacewithnolabelling,brand 5. Betterqualityofoffsetprinted
information/identityorusage paperslogoandinstructionscan
guidance bepasted.Markareafor
6. Humidityandmoisturecontent coveragepriortopastingoflabels
damagesthefinishedproducthence toaparticularlength
theunsoldproductscannotbestored 6. Theunsoldproductsneedtobe
orusednextseason packedinsideaairtight
containersreducingexposureto
humidityandmoisture
2 Process 1. Theentireproductionprocessis 1. Somepartoftheproduction
labourintensiveandtime processsuchaspaperrolling&
consumingleavingroomfor cutting,bamboocutting,
inconsistency shredding,splittingwillneed
2. Thechemicalmaterialsare mechanisedprocess
manuallymixedandgrinded.There 2. Machinedgrinder,mixtureand
havebeencasesofaccidentinthe powderfillerswillaidefficiency
past andconsistency.Workersneedto
3. Manualtechniqueresultsinan beorientedaboutthesafety
unevenshapeandsizesoftheproduct hazardsofeachofthechemicals
4. Thechemicalmasalapowderisfilled usedforpreventivemeasures
andstuffedinsidemanuallywithbare 3. Safetygearssuchasmask,gloves,
handsandtools glassetcneedstobeprovidedto
5. Thereisnodedicatedworkspaceto theworkerswhilefillingthe
carryouteachofthetasksbythe chemicalmixturemanually.
workers.Theysitanywhereandstart 4. Aproperworkstationwith
working. appropriatefacilitiesand
6. Chemicalstorageareaandfinished ventilationwillstreamlinethe
goodstockingareaisnotdistinct productionprocessandmakeit
efficientandsafe
7. Oncethedaystaskisover everything 5. Afterdayswork,theworksite

iswrappedinapolyethylenesheets needtobecleaned.Orientation
fornextdayleavingitexposedtoany andtrainingtotheworkerscan
accident beginimmediately.
3 Packaging 1. Thefinishedproductsareputintoa 1. Tocaterretailmarket,
secondcorrugatedboxesfilledwith appropriatepackagingand
woodenchips/scrapstransported graphicdesigninput,willbe
to/bythewholesalersorclient requiredforeachproductline
whereitwillbedisplayed 2. Specificproductappropriate
2. Theretailerscarrytheproductsin packagingwilldirectlyaid
juteorplasticbags. convenience,appeal,product
information,safety
instructionsandbranding.
4 Storage 1. Rawmaterialsincludingchemicals 1. Allchemicalsandpowderedraw
aredumpedinabambooandtin materialneedtobesafelystored
roofopenfromsidesexposedtoall offthefloorincloseairtight
safetyhazards. containerswithdifferentcolor
2. Otherrawmaterialsarestoredclose codesandalsoclosedroomaway
tothedirtfloor,plasticsacks,and fromfire,electricalconnection.
bamboobasketswithnodesignated 2. Araisedplatformwith
areas. designatedareasofstoragefor
3. Finishedfireworkproductsare differenttypeofmaterialsand
storedinthesameworkshedand toolsisneeded.
someinsidetheroominaopen 3. Finishedproductsalsotobe
cartontopofeachotheroronthe stackedinsideaclosedand
floorcausingdamagetothebottom lockedwarehouseonraisedand
mostproduct. shelvedplatformsneatlyand
coveredwithplasticsheetsorin
customizedboxes.
5 Layout 1. Thelargeopenareainfrontofthe 1. Theentirestoragespacefor
officeunitandresidenceisutilised explosivechemicals,workstation
forproductionandthetwoseparate andfinishedproductscannot
openshedsarebehindtheunitfor continueinaresidentialarea.
rawmaterial,tools,finished 2. Sequenceofoperationsneedsto
productsetc.Theunithasno bestreamlinedfromsourcing
boundarywallorlockablegate. andstorageofrawmaterials,
2. Adjacenttotheopenstoreshedare production,assemblypackaging
kitchen,eatingspace,retiringshed &labelling,dispatchneedtobe
forworkers,electricalconnections, identified,sequencedand
LPGcylinders. adaptedtothelayoutofa
3. Thesecondshedisutilisedtostore factoryareaadheringtohigh
smallerorunusedtools,bamboo safetystandards.
frames,unusedflowerpotsetc.
6 Workstations, 1. Thereisnodedicatedproduction 1. Positionassumedbytheworkers
Workspace spaceasworkstation. isdifficulttosustainforlong
Ergonomics 2. Theworkerscarrytheirtoolsand periodsoftime.Designofa
requiredquantityofrawmaterials workspaceallowingworkersto
andchemicalmixtureandassumesa stand,sitonachairorastool
squattingorcrossleggedposition withanelevatedtablewillhelp
andworkontheground. theworkerspostureaswellas
3. Themainworkspaceareasarethe 2. improveoverallproductivity.
twoshedsbehindtheunitusedto 3. Workersworkingintheshed
storechemicals,rawmaterialsand mixingandgrindingthe
handtools.Theweighing,grinding chemicalsorfillinginthecase
andpowderingofthechemicals shouldbeprovidedwith
happenintheopenshedunder protectivesafetygearssuchas
supervisionofunitproprietor. masks,gloves,glasses.
4. Fillingofexplosivemasalaneed
adedicatedareawithadequate
lightandventilation
HandTools 1. WoodenUrao(poundingtool), 1. Currentinhousehandtoolsare
manualgrindingunit,Ironrodsin2 adequate.Butthisneedstobe
sizediameters14and24inch,2 automatedtoincreaseefficiency
feetlongIronsteelrodof2size andquality.
diameters16&20mm,Sieve,
hacksaw,bamboocutters,axeknife,
knife/cutter,scissor,mixingbowl,
weighingmachineetc
Research Thereiscurrentlynone 1. Exhaustiveresearchofretailand
and wholesalemarketsegmentin
Developme northeastandsomeofthe
nt neighbouringeasternstates.
2. Optionsforadvertisingand
distributionandpossible
partners.
3. Researchonsemiautomated
machinestoaidproduction
4. Creationofabrandidentityand
appropriatepackaging
Storageofrawmaterials,finishedproductsandtools
UNIT2:ManisunaAtasbaziUdyog
ManisunaAtasbaziUdyog
NearSankardevKalakshetra
Bilortarihati,Barpeta781301
Contact:09954172186,09577388275(Ritamani)
Registration No. 05/10/03/01/00705 issued on 02 July 1988 from Guwahati under

ExplosiveActof 1884 whichwasvalidtill1989. Not renewedthereafter.Thelicencewas
issuedtomanufactureandsaleexplosivematerialsunderarticle1(a)(d)ofscheduleIV.
Form20(underrule155).
Unitoperationalsince:1885
NameofProprietor:MariamiPathak,Age43
WifeofLateAmrendraPathakage53whoexpiredon14June2014duetohearattack.Her
daughter Ms Ritamani Pathak age 20 studying BA second year has started helping her
motherafterherfathersdemise.
MariamiPathak RitamaniPathak
Fulltimeworkers
NabajitDas,age28,parttimemanager
SatishNathAge55,workingsincelast15years
HimanshuDasAge36,workingsince15years
DevanandNathage36yearsworkingsince12years
PranjalDasage20yearsworkingsincelast5years.
TheygetmonthlysalarybetweenRs.50008000
Apartfromtheaboveemployeesthereareabout25dailywageworkerswhoworkfor69
monthsearningRs.300duringdaytime(8amto6pm)withmealsandadditionalRs.200
fornighttimeworkingfrom6pmto2am
SathishNath NabajitDas JayantaNath DevanandNath

Keyproductrange
Therearelistoftotal36fireworkproductsofferedtotheclients.Listbelowarecommon
keyproductrangeinproduction:
1. AsmanGola
2. Phuljari(flowerpots)ofallsizes
3. PattaLori
4. MatarGash
5. LetterGash
6. CherkhyGash
7. MatabothbigandsmallmostlyinDiwaliandmarriages

Marriage season, festivals and Diwali are the three main events for sale of fire crackers.
DuringmarriagestheSMEunitcaterstoabout150marriagesofAssamese,Marwarisand
Bengalis in a year which range between Rs. 5000 to Rs. 40,000. Below is the percentile
breakupofannualfireworksalesbytheunit;
1 Rs.5000toRs.10,000 20%
2 Rs.10,000toRs.20,000 16%
3 Rs.20,000toRs.30,000 40%
4 Rs.30,000toRs.40,000 12%
5 Rs.40,000Rs.50,000 12%
Total 100
2.Festivals:
1 Bihu Rs.10,000toRs.25,000 25%
2 GovernmentFunctions Rs. 10,000toRs. 20,000 25%
3 Diwali,Mela,Puja,religiousceremonies Rs. 15,000toRs 30,000 50%

TotalsalesinlastDiwali:ApproximatelyRs.10Lakhs
Totalsaleslastyear:ApproximatelyRs.30Lakhs
Totalprofitlastyear:ApproximatelyRs8Lakhs.
AnnualProductionoffirecrackers
1. AsmanGola(Skybomb)
Category Totalannual Retailrate Wholesalerateper
production perpiece piece(inRs.)
innumbers (inRs.)
1 SmallAsmanGola 500 200 180
2 SmallAsmanGola(15Shot) 400 300 250
3 SmallAsmanGola(singleShot) 500 500 350
4 BigAsmanGola(SingleShot) 100 600 500
5 BigAsmanGola(24Shots) 100 2000 1800
2. Phuljari(FiredterracottacasingFlowerPot)InHindi Anar
1 ExtraSmallPhuljari 8000 15 10
2 SmallPjuljari1* 4000 20 15
6 SpecialSmallPhuljari 3000 150 120
7 MediumPhuljari1* 2500 200 170
8 MediumPhuljari2 2000 300 250
9 MediumPhuljari3# 2000 500 400
10 SpecialMediumPhuljari* 1500 800 700
11 LargePhuljari1 1000 1000 800
12 LargePhuljari2 500 1200 1000
13 SpecialLargePhuljari 300 2000 1800
MaximumsaleduringDiwali
#Maximumsalesduringmarriages
3. PattaLori(Smallfirecrackers)inHindiFataka
Sl Category/Size Totalannualproduction Retail&wholesalerateperpiece
no. (innumbers) (inRs.)
1 Small 6000 1000
2 Medium 5000 2000
3 Big 2000 5000
4. MatarGash(LighteningTreemadeonlyformarriagesandfestivals)
1 Black&Whiteflame 1000 1000

2 Colouredflame 1500 1500
5. Chirkhey(Singleonlyinbamboo)
1 Single 2000 1500
6. LetterGash(Alphabet)Mostlymarriage,DiwaliandFestival
1 Assamesealphabets In a year total 1000 150peralphabet
2 Englishalphabets orders with each set 120peralphabet
having1550alphabets
7. Mata(lighteningsparklers/torch)InHindiPhuljari
1 Small 50,000 Rs.5eachpiece
2 Big 3000 Rs.150perpiece
ViewsofUnitProprietor
1. Mostproductionprocessismanualhencethecostoftheproductionincreases
2. Fordifferentproductsrequireseparatetoolsandproperinventoryandstoragesystem
oftherawmaterialsandalsofinishedproducts.ForinstanceforPhujaritheironchips
anddustneedtobestoredsafely.
3. Small Mata cannot be sold in packaging since the cost of the product increases with
packaging
4. Asman Gola has no packaging, it is wrapped in plastic bags and the product gets
damagedduringtransportation.
5. During the production of Mata (fire sparklers) the fine dust and chemical fumes
damagestherespiratorysystemoftheworker
6. Itisdifficulttomixabout45explosivematerialsmanuallyasemiautomatedmixture
isrequired.
7. The unit procures the earthen flower pot cases from the potters from Gandhinagar
village.Thesmallerrangeofproductsbecomesexpensiveandalsofragile.
8. Skinning and splitting of bamboo is a problem manually, semiautomated tools will
makeitmoreefficient.
9. Ifthebambooisolditlosesitsflexibleandisofnouse.Thebamboogetsdamaged
duringskinningorsplittingprocess.
10. After the Assam disturbances possession, manufacturing and selling of all explosive
materialsinGuwahatiarebanned.TheunitshavetoprocurefromKolkataorBarpeta
Roadbyroadtransport.
11. Since the entire production process is manual, the Barpeta firework products mostly
thetraditionalandfastmovingitemslikeAsmanGola,Phuljarilackfinishingandlooks
rudimentaryforusersinoutsidestates.
12. ThereisnoproperidentityandpackagingofBarpetaproducts.
13. Transportation of the finished products is a major problem since it cannot be

transported in trains. Hence transporting in four wheel vehicles increases the cost of
theproductwhichhastobebornebytheMSMEunits.
14. Thereareextortionsbythepoliceandarmyatcheckpostsinspiteofpresentingdue
receiptsandpapers.

Marketing
TheproductsaresoldatwholesalerateinmostofthedistrictsofAssamin1520locations
suchasDibrugarh,Tezpur,Guwahati,Laxmipur,Odalgudi,Kokrajhar,Goalparaetc.During
festivals few products are also sold in 810 locations of Delhi and Haryana. Locally it is
mostly sold during marriages and Diwali. The unit has a permit licence but during Diwali
statealsoissuestemporarylicences.
Modeofpayment
Usuallytheclientpaysabout3050percentadvancewhenplacingordersandthebalance
ispaidondelivery.In50percentcasesthemodeofpaymentisincash,25percentthrough
banktransfersand25percentthroughchequeiftheclientisgovernment.
RawMaterials
50 percent of the raw materials are sourced from Guwahati and Barpeta Road and
remaining50percentfromKolkatamostlytheexplosivematerials.
ProductionprocessofCharkhiandAsmanGola
Storagesystemofrawmaterials(explosives)andsemifinishedproducts
DesignAuditUnit2
No
1 Product 1. Small Mata (sparklers) cannot be 1. Semiautomatedpapermachines
packagedandsold sincethecostof canreplacesmallerearthenand
theproductincreases bamboocasings.Thiswillmake
2. The units procure earthen flower thecasingscheaper,fasterand
pot cases from the potters making alsomakethesizeconsistent.
the smaller range of products Customizedpaperrolling
expensiveandfragile. machinesneedstobedeveloped
3. Old bamboo is of no use as it gets byMSMEToolRoomin
damagedduringskinningorsplitting Guwahati.
process. 2. Forsomeproductrangesuchas
4. Skinning, splitting of bamboo and Charkhi,SunBazi,LetterGashetc
making the earthen pots for casing wherebamboohastobeused
is time consuming and not uniform thensplitting,shreddingand
insizesasthesearemanuallymade. cuttingmachinescanbe
5. ProductslikeAsmanGolahasno purchasedordevelopedasper
packaging,itiswrappedinplastic needfromcaneandbamboo
bagsandsheetsandtheproduct instituteAgartala.
getsdamagedduring 3. Forotherlargesizeproductscan
transportation. beredesignedtosmallerand
mediumsizeorcustomized
packagingcanbedesignedto
easetransportedforretailsale
2 Process 1. Entireproductionprocessismanual 1. Semiautomatedmachines
labourintensivehencethecostof includinggrindersandmixtures
unitproductcostincreases. arerequiredtomakethe
2. Itisdifficulttomixabout45 explosivemasalapowder
chemicalsandexplosivematerials consistentandproduction
manuallyincorrectconsistencyand processefficient.
proportion. 2. Differentrangeoffirework
3. Therearenoinventorylistoftools productswillrequireseparate
andequipmentsfordifferent handtools,machinesandalso
fireworkproduction.Setofsame properinventorymanagement,
toolsareusedfordifferentpurpose. labellingandstoragesystem
4. Explosivechemicals,rawmaterials includingforallrawmaterials
andfinishedproductsareobserved andfinishedproducts.For
wrappedandkeptinanopenshed instanceforPhujari(flowerpots)
butcoveredfromtop. ironchipsanddustneedtobe
5. After AISU Assam disturbances in storedseparatelyandsafely.
1980 possession, manufacturing 3. Stategovernmentwillhaveto
and selling of all explosive materials considerprovideexplosive
in Guwahati have been banned by licensetotheunitsandalsoto
thestate.Theunitsdonothavevalid onelocalentitytotrade
explosive licence and also face explosivematerialsexclusivefor
difficulty to procure chemicals from Barpetafireworkcluster
Kolkatawhichtakes1012daystime 4. Statewillhavetoissueexplosive
byroad. licencetotheunitsto
6. With no valid documents, face manufactureandsalespecificlist
extortionsbythepoliceandarmyat ofproductswithinandoutstate.
checkposts even if presenting work 5. Allsafetymeasureswillneedto

orderreceipts. beadheredbytheunitssuchas
7. The units are operating on a ticking movingoutofaresidentialarea,
timebomb.Insurancecompaniesare noelectricalconnection,
notreadytoinsuretheunitandthe installationoffireextinguishers,
workers as it does not fulfil the adequatewatersupply,
safetyguidelines. ventilation,workerssafetygears,
safestorageofexplosive
materialsetc
3 Packaging 1. Barpetafireworkproductslack 1. Productappropriatepackaging
brandidentityandpackaging.The willneedtobedesignedfor
productsarekeptincartonboxesof safetyoftheproduct,brand
differentsizesorwrappedinplastic appeal,productinformation,
bagsandtransported.Especiallythe retailmarketing,safety
flowerpotsandthelargebamboo instructionsfortheenduser
framecasingproductsgetdamaged
duringtransportation.
4 Storage 1. Allthechemicals,rawmaterials, 1. Araisedplatformandmetal
tools&equipments,finished wrackwithdesignatedareasfor
fireworkproducts,oldunsold storageofchemicals,raw
productsoflastseason,bamboo materials,tools,finished
frames,andemptyflowerpotsare productstobeproperlystacked
storedinthesameworkcumstore insideaclosedandlockedstore
shedeitherinplasticsacksoropen roomawayfromfire,LPG,
cartontopofeachother. inflammablematerials&electric
2. Thegroundisnotcementedandthe connection.
soilismoistandhumid.Someofthe
articlesarekeptontemporary
bamboowracksabovetheground.
5 Layout 1. Thelargeopenareainfrontofthe 1. Theentirestoragespacefor
officeunitandresidenceisutilised explosivechemicals,workstation
forproductionandthetwoseparate andfinishedproductscannot
openshedsarebehindtheunitfor continueinaresidentialarea.
rawmaterial,tools,finished 2. Sequenceofoperationsneedsto
productsetc.Theunithasno bestreamlinedfromsourcing
boundarywallorlockablegate. andstorageofrawmaterials,
2. Adjacenttotheopenstoreshedare production,assemblypackaging
kitchen,eatingspace,retiringroom &labelling,dispatchneedtobe
forworkers,electricalconnections, identified,sequencedand
LPGcylinders. adaptedtothelayoutofa
3. Thesecondshedisutilisedtostore factoryareaadheringtohigh
smallerorunusedtools,bamboo safetystandards.
frames,unusedflowerpotsetc.
6 Workstatio 1. Whenfillingexplosivemasalainside 1. The explosive masala needs to
ns, the Mata (fire sparklers) the dust be filled in a closed and
Workspace adequatelydamagestherespiratory dedicated area with adequate
and systemoftheworker. light,ventilationandsafetygears
Ergonomics 2. Theunitdoesnothaveany fortheworkershealth.
dedicatedspaceasworkstation, 2. Itisdifficulttosustainlonghours
storage,inventoryoffinished of continuous work in the
products,toolsetc.Theworkers squattingorcrosslegposition.A
findanyemptyspacearoundand properelevatedtableandsitting
workingroupssittingeitherin arrangement need to be
squattingpositionorcrosslegs. designed to allow workers to
3. Theyusebarehandstofillthe eitherstandorsitonastool.This
explosivemasalainthecases. will ergonomically ease the
4. Thereisonlyoneshedusedtostore workingpostureoftheworker
chemicals,rawmaterialsandhand 3. Thecorrectposturewillalsohelp
tools.Theweighing,grindingand improveoverallproductivity.
powderingofthechemicalshappen
intheopenarea.
HandTools 1. Poundingtool,manualgrindingunit, 1. Currentinhousehandtoolsare
Ironrodsin2sizediameters14 adequate.Butprocessneedsto
and24inch,2feetlongIronsteel beautomatedtoincrease
rodof2sizediameters16&20 efficiencyandqualityofthe
mm,Sieve,hacksaw,bamboo finishedproducts.
cutters,axeknife,knife/cutter,
scissor,mixingbowl,weighing
machineetcarethecommontools
usedbytheunit
Research Thereiscurrentlynone 1. Research required on availability
and of semiautomated machines
Developme suppliers in India or abroad and
nt accordingly design customized
machinetools
2. Retail and wholesale market
research to understand the
customer segment in north east
and some of the neighbouring
easternstates.
UNIT3:LaxmiFireWorks
LaxmiFireWorks
Mojarhati,LNRoad
P.O.Barpeta,Barpeta781301,Assam
Tel:03665236276,09954322321,09435024849
NameofProprietors:NaliniPathak,age68&AchintaPathakage45
NaliniPathak
Registration/Licence no. 348 (K) 79 issued in 1979 by Deputy Commissioner of then

Kamrup district under Explosive Act. (There were three districts under Kamrup Barpeta,
Nalbari and Guwahati.) After ULFA disturbances, issue of explosive licence was stopped
from1980inGuwahati.TheheadofficeofExplosivedepartmentunderministryofhomes
isatNagpurwhichissueslicenceforpetrol,diesel,LPG,fireworksetcpossessionandsale.
Fulltimeworkers:
BarbelDas,age32beenengagedsince5years
KunakanPathak,age27beenengagedsince8years
NilakantDas,age50beenengagedsince8years
AjitDas,age38beenengagedsince3years
HarideoPathak,age40notrelatedbutbeenengagedwiththeunitsincechildhood
In addition there are 15 workers who are engaged for 34 months on per day wages
rangingbetweenRs.150200.Theirprimarytaskistomixthemixtureasprovidedtothem,
paste old newspaper and coloured marble papers on the fire crackers, skin and split
bambooandothermanuallabourwork.
BabelDas NeelkantaDas PunakantaPathak AjitDas
KeyProductrange
Phuljari(FiredterracottacasingFlowerPot)InHindiAnar
1 SmallPhuljari 1500 100 80

Onlyonorders
3 SpecialLargePhuljari 100 1500 1300
4 LargePhuljari 100 1000 800
Productioncostofmaking25smallPhuljari
Sl Rawmaterials Marketrate Requiredquantity Totalcost
no
1 Sulphur Rs.80perKg 250grams Rs.20
2 SaltPetri Rs.150perKg 1000grams Rs.38
3 Charcoal Rs.100perKg 250grams Rs.25
4 CasteIrondust Rs.50perKg 250grams Rs.13
5 Terracotta Rs.15perpiece Rs.375
case/container
6 Marblepaperand Rs.5perpiece Rs.125
adhesive
7 Twodailywage Rs. 200 wage + Rs.460
laboursfor2days Rs.30food
Rs.1060
Perpiececost:Rs.4250
Profitmargin:15%i.eRs.6
Wholesaleprice:Rs.75andperpieceretailpriceRs.100
Gash(Tree)variety
Sl Category/Size Totalannualproduction Retail&wholesalerate
no. (innumbers) perpiece(inRs.)
1 White&blackflame 100 Rs.1200
2 Coloured(red+Green)flames 50 Rs.1500
3 SotowalBazi(Cherkhy) 100 Rs. 1500

4 LetterGash(Alphabet) 100orderswithminimum15 Rs. 200peralphabet
alphabets(Total1500
alphabets)
Mata(LightningSparklers)Phuljari
1 SmallPhuljari 8000 Rs. 400 for 100 Rs. 350 for 100
piece piece
2 LargeMata(Sticksize) 100 400perpiece 350perpiece
LastyeartotalsaleswasRs.5lakhsandprofitmarginwasRs.1lakhs
ViewsofUnitProprietor:ComparisonwithSivkasifireworkunits
1. In Sivkasi there are more than 800 registered and unregistered firework units as
comparedtofiveinBarpetaAssam,hencetheyhavetheadvantageonquantityacross
thecountry.
2. All Sivkasi products have small varieties with good attractive coloured labels and
packaging,hence are transportedwell acrossthe country. The customers directly use
the product. Whereas Barpeta fireworks are mostly large in size and transported in
bags,boxesorcartonscarriedby12unitstaff.
3. TheSivkasiproductshavegoodpackagingandinstructions.
4. The chemical formulas of Sivkasi and Barpeta are same but major difference Sivkasi
products last for two years as they use aluminium and silver dust but in Barpeta the
unitsusecastirondustwhichgetsaffectedafteroneyear.
5. In Sivkasi, the local DIC office has a fullfledged training centre offers regular training
modules on technical and technological issues by experienced engineers and subject
experts.
6. WeatherinSivkasiishotandtherenoagriculturelandhencefireworkactivityisthekey
source of livelihood. Labour is easily available at competitive wages. A family of 56
memberswithtwoadultsand34childrenearnRs.150200perday.
7. Product wise Sivkasi fire rockets have been banned in many places as the burnt
residue damages when falls on the ground. As compared to those rockets Barpeta
AsmanGolaissafer.Theentirecasingstaysbackinsameplaceonthegroundandthe
explosivematerialsgetsburntinthesky.
8. Barpeta has no licence supplier for explosive materials. The local government should
providelicencetostartaunitlocally.Itisexpensivetosourceexplosivematerialsfrom
Kolkata.
9. Locally in Barpeta town there is one licence retailer selling all varieties of fireworks
alongwithgiftsandstationaryKanaiBulaiBhandar
RequirementofRawmaterials
Sl Rawmaterials Source Rate Annual
no
requirement
1 Aluminiumpowder Kolkata Rs.500Kg 30Kg
2 Toncia(forcolourflame) Kolkata Rs. 500Kg 5Kg
3 DhokaAluminiumDust(forcolour Kolkata Rs.400Kg 4Kg
flame)
4 PVCPowder(forcolourflame) Kolkata Rs. 700Kg 4Kg
5 Gala Kolkata Rs. 1200Kg 1Kg
6 SilverPowder(forwhiteflame) Kolkata Rs. 400Kg 10Kg
6 Terracotta earthen pots of Barpeta Rs.15&Rs.100 200pieces
differentsizes
7 Bamboo(forSatowalBazi,Charkhi, Barpeta Rs.150for1 100bamboos
Gash&LetterGashproducts) bamboo
of2530feet
8 Jute Barpeta Rs.25Kg 1quintal
9 Colouredpaper Barpeta Rs.40Dista 7Rimsor140
1Dista24sheets Dista or 4360
1Rim20Dista sheets
10 Charcoal Barpeta Rs. 100Kg 200Kgs
Packagingfortransportation
no
requirement
1 CorrugatedoldCartonboxes Barpeta Rs.10goodquality 25cartons
Rs.6mediumquality
2 Woodchips Barpeta Rs. 35for 1Sack(4Kgs) 30sacks/120Kgs
3 Plasticsheettowrapthe Barpeta Rs. 100Kg 20Kgs
carton (10meterby9meter)
4 Jutestring(Sutli) Barpeta Rs.75Kg
20Kg
Transportationcost
Thecartonswillbecarriedbytwoworkersfromtheunittothedestinationbyroad.
Wagesfor2workers:Rs.400x2x2days Rs.1600
Ifnighthaltextracharge:Rs.400x2persons Rs.800
Food:Rs.100x2x2days Rs.400
Transportationcost:Rs.200x2persons Rs.400
Profileofclients
80percentoftheclientsarefromwithinAssamandfewinborderingnortheast.Remaining
20 percent clients are from outside Assam who usually order for special functions,
ceremoniesandmarriageswhichhastobeminimumRs.20,000order.
Paymentterms
2540percentadvanceatthetimeofplacingorders
Balancepaymentafterdeliveryofproducts
Modeofpayment
Cashpayment80percent
Chequepayment15percent
Banktransfer5percent
Paymentschedule
1. Whole sale retailers or direct customers within Assam in Guwahati, Dibrugarh,
TinsukhiyaetcpayonthesamedaywhengoodsaredeliveredbytheSMEunitstaff
2. Iftheclientisknownandtrustedthepaymentisdelayedby26days
3. Government departments such as tourism take about a month and pay in cheque
mostly
ProductionProcessofPhuljari
Handsexposedtoexplosivechemicals,nousageof
safetygearsandinappropriatehandtools
Imagesoffewsemifinishedfireworkproducts
TopimageisCharkhi
TopandleftsideimagesofSunBazi
SmallMata(Sparklers)
MediumMata(Sparklers)
Bomb
LargeMata(Sparklers)
MediumPhuljari
(FlowerPot)

Storagesystemandhandtools

DesignAuditofUnit3
No
1 Product 1. Theunitusescastirondustin 1. Procurementofchemicalsis
flowerpotswhichgetsaffected bottleneck.Sivkasiproducts
duehumidandmoistureafter usealuminiumandsilverdust
oneyear. insteadofirondustsoitlast
2. Theunitmanufacturesfirework for2years.
productsmostlyonorderswhich 2. Thesizeofsomeofthelarge
arelargeinsize.Hencethereis productscanbereducedtocater
limitationtotransportthe retailmarketwithsuitable
productsindependentlyacross packagingandbranding.Itcan
betransportedwithoutany
thestateandregion.
escort.Sivkasiproductshave
3. Theproductsoftheunitdonot
smallervarietieswith
haveanysurfacegraphicsor
attractivecolouredlabelsand
attractivevisualappeal/colours
packaging.Theproductstravel
sinceitdoesnotdealwithretail
acrossthecountrydueto
market.
packaging.Theproducts
4. Theunithasnoclueatwhat
competeonsmallmarginsand
pricefinallytheproductis
quantity.
ultimatelysoldbytheretailerto
anenduser.
2 Process 1. Theproductionprocessisnot 1. Thereisagapbetweendemand
streamlined.Theunitdoesnothave andproductioncapacity.The
regularproductionacrosstheyear. unitneedstoestimateitsactual
Productionstartsusuallywhen productioncapacityintermsof
wholesaleordersstartbeforeDiwali lastfewyearssaleandplanfor
orduringfestivalsandmarriage assuredworkforce,toolsand
seasons.Foranyoffseasontheunit rawmaterials.
getsproductsfromotherunitsto 2. Priortoordersbetterplanning
fulfilitsorders. andpreparationssuchready
2. Leftoverchemicalmixtureiskeptin withestimatedrawmaterials,
plasticbagsandputtodryinthe chemicals,availabilityoflabours
sunbeforeusingitfororders.The willhelpensureuninterrupted
existingquantitymaynotfulfil productionwillhelpefficiencyof
completeorder.Manualfilling theunit.
3. Bothrawmaterialsandfinished
processisnotconsistentwhenithas
tocatertodemandsinlimitedtime fireworkproductswillrequire
3. Oncefilled,thecasingsaresealed properinventorymanagement,
andpastedwithcolouredpapers. labelling&storagesystem.
4. Semiautomatedmachinesand
Theproductfinishingvisuallylooks
rudimentary. appropriatelabellingand
packagingwillimproveproduct
finishing.
3 Packaging 1. Thefinishedproductsarepackedin 1. Asimpleandinexpensive
assortedcartonboxesfromthe packaging,bearingnameofunit
market,bearingbrandnamesofother willneedtobedevelopedandall
companiesandthenproductsare theunitownerswillalsorequire
transportedtowholesalers. someguidanceonthis.
2. Thefinishedproductsandchemical 2. Productappropriatepackaging
powdersarekeptincartonboxesorin willneedtobedesignedfor
plasticsacksorwrappedinplastic safetyoftheproduct,brand
sheets.Theunsoldproductsand appeal,productinformation,
leftoverchemicalsarekeptasitis. retailmarketing,safety
instructionsfortheenduser
4 Storage 1. Theunithastwoshedstostoreone 1. Boththestorageshedsarenot
smallroominsidetheproprietors permissibleasperexplosive
residencewithcompoundwalland safetynormsastheunitis
lockablegateandthesecondshed operatingmiddleofresidential
about500metersawaywith area.Thefirststoreroominside
temporaryfenceandgate. thehouseoftheproprietoras
2. Alltheexpensivechemicalsand wellthetemporarystorageshed
tools&equipmentsarekeptinside littleawaywillinvitetroublein
theroomandallrawmaterials, future.
finishedfireworkproducts,old 2. Theunitshouldplantoshiftto
unsoldproductsoflastseason, thenewFireworkvillageallotted
bambooframes,emptyflowerpots bythestategovernment.
arestoredinthesecondshed. 3. Araisedplatformwithmetalrack
3. Thegroundinthesecondshedis indesignatedareaswillneedto
notcementedandthesoilismoist beusedforstorageofchemicals,
andhumid.Someofthearticlesare rawmaterials,tools,finished
keptontemporarybamboowracks products.
abovetheground.
5 Layout 1. Theopenareainfrontofthe 1. Thepresentstoragespacefor
residenceoftheunitsproprietoris explosivechemicals,workstation
utilisedforproductionandthe andfinishedproductswillneed
secondtemporaryshedisusedto tobeshiftedtotheproposed
storerawmaterial,mixing,grinding, fireworkvillageexcepttheclient
keepbambooframes,finished interfacecancontinuefromthe
productsbeforedelivery,packaging presentlocation..
etc. 2. Alltheunitoperationsneedsto
bestreamlinedsourcingand
storageofrawmaterials,
production,packaging&
labelling,dispatchtobeadapted
asperasmallscaleindustry
layoutfollowingsafety
guidelines.
6 Workstatio 1. Theworkersareusebarehandsto 1. Theunitneedstohavea
ns, filltheexplosivemasalainthecases. dedicatedandclosedareawith
Workspace 2. Theunitdoesnotseemtohave adequatelight,ventilation,hand
and adequatehandtoolsforallthe toolsandsafetygearsforallthe
Ergonomics workersaffectingsimulationofan workers.
assemblylineproductionsystem. 2. Aproperworkstationneedto
plannedwithelevatedtable,
sittingarrangementandtoolsfor
workerstoworkcomfortably.
HandTools 1. Poundingtool,manualgrindingunit, 1. Currentinhousehandtoolsare
Ironrodsin2sizediameters14 adequate.Butthisneedstobe
and24inch,2feetlongIronsteel automatedtoincreaseefficiency
rodof2sizediameters16&20 andqualityofthefinished
mm,Sieve,hacksaw,bamboo products.
cutters,axeknife,knife/cutter,
scissor,mixingbowl,weighing
machineetcarethecommontools
usedbytheunit
Research Thereiscurrentlynone 1. Aretailmarketresearchto
and understandthecustomer
Developme segment
nt 2. Researchonavailabilityofsemi
automatedmachinesand
suppliersinIndiaorabroad
UNIT4:MonaranjanFireWorks
MonaranjanFireWorks
Brindawanhati,Barpeta
Tel:09707805695,09957494329
NameoftheProprietors:
HimanshuPathakage35
RamanimohanPathak,age48
ModhusudanPathak,age50 LateManaranjanPathak
RamanimohanPathak MadhusudanPathak HimanshuPathak
Registrationno.Old25(9)54
TheexplosivelicencewasissuedfromtheofficeofInspectorofExplosiveinIndia.Theunit
has the licence to manufacture and sell fireworks and gun powder in quantity not
exceeding 200 Ibs. Thelicence hasbeen renewed every year from 1963, 1964 and till 31
March1971.ThereafterthelicencewasreissuedbyDeputyCommissionerBarpetaon12
November2013withoneyearvaliditytill31March2014withlicenceNumber3316/282/
14andfileNo.BAE/101/2013

TheunitwasstartedbyLateAgariPathakandthenoperatedbyhissonlateMonaranjan
Pathakforabout50years.LateMonaranjanstoppedactiveengagementwithhisfirework
unitwhenhewasnotkeepingwell.Heexpiredtwoyearsbackattheageof84.Amonghis
four sons Modhusudan Pathak and Ramanimohan Pathak continued with the activity for
fewyears.WhileModhusudanmanagedtheproductionandRamanimohaninterfacedwith
clients.Howeversincelastoneyeartheunitisnotoperational.
Theyplantostartthefireworkactivitywithinvolvementoftheirthirdandyoungerbrother
HimnahsuPathakbeforeDiwaliinitiallywithlimitedordersandinvestments.Himanshuisa
Bhartal dancer and has visited several places in India with his troop to perform on
invitation. He also runs a dance school in the name of Shankar Sangeet Vidyalaya.
Himanshu mentioned he will shift his focus to make the family firework legacy to a
prospering enterprise. Monaranjan Fire Works plans to shift the production unit to the
FireworkvillageinBilorterihatiBarpeta.DuringtheNeedAssessmentSurveytherewasno
productionintheunit.
UNIT5:BarpetaAtasbazi
BarpetaAtasbazi
NearSankardevaKalakshatra
Bilorterihati,Barpeta,Assam
Tel:09954888882,08811899880
NameofProprietor:GopjitPathak
RegistrationNo:
1. MunicipalityTradeLicencenumber139/201112
2. EM PartI No. 18051101513 issued on 26 December 2011 (capacity incase of
manufacturecodeis35006)
3. Original Explosive licence No. 05/10/03/01/00705 was issued on 02 July 1988 from
Guwahati under Explosive Act of 1884 which was valid till 1989 which was issued to
LateAmrendraPathakwhentheyalloperatedunderoneunit.Thislicencewasissued
tomanufactureandsaleexplosivematerialsunderarticle1(a)(d)ofscheduleIV.Form
20 (under rule 155). Since last two years Barpeta Atasbazi is operating as separate
enterpriseanddoesnothaveitsownExplosivelicence.
TheSMEunitisoperationalsince2011
Totalsaleslastyear
Totalsaleslastyear:ApproximatelyRs.80Lakhs
TotalsalesinlastDiwali:ApproximatelyRs30Lakhs
Totalprofitmargininlastyear:Approximately10lakhs.
Fulltimeworkers
1. MoonDas,age21workingsince4years
2. BipulDas,age20workingsince4years
3. PadmalasanDasage21workingsince4years
4. PunkuDas,age20workingsince6years
5. NarayanDas,age30workingsince6years
6. SantyBanage35workingsince4years
7. DhaneswarPathakage42workingsince4years
8. RabenDasage25workingsince4years
9. DhruvjyotiHazarikaage33workingsince4years
10. AchintaDasage35workingsince2years
11. TutumaniDasage37workingsince1year
12. AbhinashOjha,age35workingsince2years
13. MinalJtotiPathakage36yearsworkingsince4years
14. NavjeetDasage32yearsworkingsince5years
15. BuljitDasage32workingsince4years
16. ChampaniPathakage33workingsince6years
TheaboveworkersareengagedonmonthlysalarybetweenRs.5000Rs.8000.MinalJyoti
Pathak and Buljit Das support on marketing, colleting of dues from clients etc. Abhinash
Ojhahelpsinofficework.AbhinashandBuljitgetamonthlysalaryofRs.15,000.
Inadditiontotheabovethereareabout30dailywageworkersengagedoncontractand
parttimebasis.
MoonDas BipulDas PadmalasanDas
PinkuDas
NarayanDas
ProductionProcess
Workingwithoutsafetygearsandinappropriate
worksspace,facilityandbodypostures
Storagesystemofsemifinishedproductsandexplosivematerials
ListofTools&EquipmentsusedbythefireworkMSMEs
Grindingunitforexplosivechemicals
Poundingunittopowderchemicals
Ironrodstofill
explosive
Hacksawtocutbamboo
Sievetofilter

Electronicweighingunit

Hammer

PlierstocutwireandScissorsto
Daotosplit
cutthreadandpapers
bamboo
Rightside Steelrodsto
fillchemicals,TopMixing
plates,LeftSteelrods
andBottomIronplates
KeyProductrange
1. AsmanGola(Skybomb/fireballs)
Sl Category/Size Totalannual Retailrateper Wholesalerate
no. production(in piece(inRs.) perpiece(inRs.)
numbers)
1 SmallAsmanGola(15Shots) 500 1200 800
2 MediumAsmanGola(1 2000 500 350
Shot)
2. Phuljari(Flowerpots)Annar
Sl Category/Size Totalannual Retailrateperpiece Wholesale
no. production(in (inRs.) rateperpiece
numbers) (inRs.)
1 SpecialPhuljari 200 1800 1000
2 Special2Phuljari 400 1200 700

3 BigPhuljari 3000 600 300

3. Mata(Sparklers)
numbers) (inRs.)
1 Big 500 150 75
2 Medium 5000 30 18
3 Small 10,00,00 5 3

4. PattaKaLori(LoosecrackersfromSivkasiassembledinBarpeta)
numbers) (inRs.)
1 Bundleof1000PattaKa 1000bundles 450 350
Loricrackers (1bundlehas
1000crackers)

5. PaperBlast(Coloured)Firedinallpurposes
numbers) (inRs.)
1 PaperBlast 1000 300 125
6. ColourSmoke(FiredduringHolifestival)
1 ColourSmoke 600 300 150
7. AbirBlast(FiredduringHolifestival)
1 AbirBlast 500 300 150

LetterGash

MediumsizePhuljari(Flowerpots)

8. LetterGash(Alphabets)
Sl Category/Size Totalannualproduction(in Retail&wholesalerateper
no. numbers) piece(inRs.)
1 Normalalphabetsize 10,000 150peralphabet
2 Specialalphabetsize 1000 250peralphabet
(onlyforfestivals)
9. MatarGash(LighteningTree)
1 Plain (black & white 1000 1500
electricalflame)
2 Colouredflame 200 1800
10. Cherkhy&SunBazi
1 Cherkhy 50 1500
2 SunBazi 50 2000
11. Fanoos(Paperballoononbambooframe)
1 16FeetdiameterFanush 200 500
12. Protimurti(LogodecorationlikeAlphabetfiredinceremonies)
1 Protimurti 20 4000
ProcurementofRawmaterials
All raw materials were available in Guwahati till 1983. In 1980 Assam Andolan agitation
started by AISU and the state government banned manufacture or sale of any explosive
materialsintheopenmarket.SincethentheunitsareprocuringfromKolkata.
Thereare56wholesaletradersinBaraBazarinKolkatabuttheBarpetaSMEunitshave
beensourcingrawmaterialsfromonetradernamedExcelTraderssincelast1520years.
They call the trader to place order and deposit about 2540 percent of the purchase
amount in his account through bank transfer. The raw materials are packed and
transportedonroadwhichreachestheunitownersin710daystime.Ondeliveryofthe
goodsandreceiptofthebuiltythebalanceamounthastobepaidincash.
Theproprietorsharedthegovernmentshouldpermitalicenceholdertosellchemicalsin
Barpeta.Thiswilleaselotoftheirtrouble.
Requirementofrawmaterials
no
requirement
1 Aluminiumpowder Kolkata Rs. 450Kg 150Kg
2 Aluminiumdust(localmarket) Barpeta Rs. 150Kg 100Kg
3 Aluminiumdust Kolkata Rs. 240Kg 50Kg
4 Barium (For brightness of the Kolkata Rs.120Kg 2000Kg
flame)
5 PVCPowder(forcolouredflames) Kolkata Rs.650Kg 100Kg
Earlier Potassium Chloride powder was used
butithasriskofcatchingfiredueanyheat
6 Toncia(forcolouredflame) Kolkata Rs.400Kg 50Kg
7 SaltPetri(Forignitingspark) Kolkata Rs. 150Kg 2000Kg
8 Sulphur(Forignition) Kolkata Rs.60Kg 1000Kg
9 Charcoal(localmarket) Barpeta Rs. 25Kg 700Kg

10 JutestringSutli(localmarket) Barpeta Rs. 65Kg 1000Kg
11 JutePolta Barpeta Rs. 20Kg 20Kg
12 MarblePaper(1Rim20Dista& 1 Barpeta Rs. 750 1Rim 300Rims
Dista24sheetsofpaper)
13 OldNewsPaper Barpeta Rs.20Kg 500Kg
14 CottonThread(1packet10rolls& Barpeta Rs.60Packet 300Packet
1roll100meters) 30000meters
RequirementofHandToolsinafireworkunitwith15workers
Sl ListofHandTools Required Rateperunit
no
Numbers
1 TraditionalwoodenUrao(Okhli)forgrindingandmixing. 4 Rs.20004000
Jackfruitwoodlastsandcostmore
2 Manualgrindingunitinstoneforfinepowder 3 Rs.1200
3 Ironrodsin2sizediameters14and24inchforpressing 50 Rs.50
explosivemixtureinsidethecasing
4 2feetlongIronsteelrodof2diameters 16&20mmfor 20 Rs.70
pressingexplosivemixtureinsidebamboocase
5 Sieve(Chalini)of3differentmeshsizes(fine,medium& 30 Rs.30
large)
6 Tablewithmarbletopforlabellingthefirepotswith 1 Rs.500marble
newspaperormarblepaper
7 Hacksawtocutbamboo 6 Rs.120and
Rs.7fornewblade
8 DaoAxeknifeinsmallandbigvarietytosplitbamboo 6 Rs.300
9 Steelfineedgeknife/cuttertocutpaper 10 Rs.100
10 Scissortocutjuteandcottonthreads 2 Rs.200
11 Karahimixingbowl 1 Rs.350
12 Electronicweighingmachine 1 Rs.10,000
DesignAuditofUnit5

No
1 Product 1. Theunitmanufacturessomenew 1. Designcustomizedprintedlabels
productrangenotobservedwithother forproductcategorywithvisuals,
unitssuchasFanoos(paperballoonon logo,productcodeandinformation
bambooframe),Protimurti(Logo 2. Existinglargesizeproductrange
designs),ColourSmoke,AbirBlastetc. canberedesignedtosmallersize
2. Theunitismakingeffortonproduct andpackagedtoreducethecost.
innovationswithcombinationsofsize, 3. Procurementofchemicalsfrom
shapesandchemicalmixtures. Kolkataisbottleneckinproduction.
3. Theproductsaregradedasperthe 4. Semiautomatedmachineswillhelp
qualityandfinishandtherejectsare standardizesizeofthecasingsin
soldatlowerrates. paperrollsorbamboo
4. Theunitmanufacturesfirework 5. Theworkersoftheunitwillneed
productsbothforretailandwholesale sometrainingonfinishing,safety
orders.Theproprietorhasadisplay precautions,cateringtoretail
unitinBarpetatownofsample market.
products,imagealbumandalsovideo
filmrecordedinthenight.
5. Theproprietorhasagoodbusiness
senseandrespondstomarket
demandswithnewrangeofproducts.
2 Process 1. Thisistheonlyunitwhichhasshifted 1. Mechanisedgrinder,mixtureand
andoperatingfromthenewfirework powderfillerswillaidefficiencyand
village.Theproprietorhasconstructed consistency.Workersneedtobe
atemporaryshedforproduction. orientedaboutthesafetyhazards
2. Thechemicalmixtureismanually ofthechemicalsbeingusedfor
grindedinpoundingunit,thenmixed preventiveandcurativemeasures
andfilteredusingasievewithdifferent 2. Somepartoftheproduction
meshsizes.Casesofaccidentinthe processsuchaspaperrolling&
pasthavebeenreportedwhileusing cutting,bamboocutting,
grindingunitbyinexperiencedworker shredding,splittingwillneed
3. Theproductionprocessinthenew
mechanization
premiseisnotstreamlined.Manual
3. Aproperworkstationwith
techniqueusedresultsinanuneven
appropriatefacilitiesand
shape,sizes,filling,sealing,labelling
ventilationwillstreamlinethe
etc
productionprocessandmakeit
4. Thechemicalmasalapowderisfilled
efficientandsafer
andstuffedinsidemanuallywithbare
4. Safetygearssuchasmask,gloves,
nakedhandsandtools.
glassesetcneedstobeprovidedto
theworkerswhilefillingthe
chemicalmixtureorworkingwith
thechemicalsmanually.
3 Packagin 1. Largesizefireworkproductsareeither 1. Foreachproductindividual
g carriedinbagsorinusedcartonboxes customisedpackagingneedstobe
filledwithwoodflakesandwrapped designedsothatitcanbeeasily
withplasticsheets.Theproductsdo transportedonroad,itwillhave
nothaveanyidentityorassociation Barpetabrandidentity,nameof
withtheplaceornameoftheunit. theunit,safetyinstructionsand
productinformation
4 Storage 1. Inthefireworkvillage,theunithas 1. Asadequatespaceisavailable,in
constructedtwotemporaryshedsin thenewpremise,thereisnoneed
bamboomatsandtinsheetroof.In topackforstorageeverythingin
oneshedallthechemicals,raw smallarea.Adedicateareascanbe
materials,tools,equipments,finished madewithshelvesforstorageof
productsarekeptontheuncemented bothrawandfinishedproduct.
floorinplasticbags,andbamboo 2. Tillapermanentstoragesystemis
basketswithnodesignatedareas. constructed,theunitwillhave
Someofthearticlesarekepton investtomakearaisedplatform
temporarybamboowracksabovethe withdesignatedareasandshelves
ground. tostoredifferentmaterialsand
2. Insidetheshedthereiscotwhere23 finishedproducts..
workerssleepinthenight.This 3. Finishedproductsneedstobe
bambooshedisinflammableandno categorized,keptincartonsand
safetyprovision.Itwillbeinstantloss stackedpreferablyonmetalwracks
oflifeandproperty. separatedfromthechemicalsand
rawmaterials.
5 Layout 1. Thefireworkvillagewillaccommodate 1. Theunithasbeenallotted2bigha
10unitsinfirstphasewithcommon oflandinthefireworkvillageso
facilityandotherutilities. spaceisnotaconstraint.A
2. Presentlytheunitisoperatinginthe permanentCommonFacilityCentre
fireworkvillagepremiseinamakeshift isintheplanapartfromRCCmixing
temporarystructurewithanopenarea room,processingroom,transit
forproduction,storage,boardand room,finishedproductroom,
lodgeofworkers. dryingplatform,individualunit
officerooms,watersupply
arrangement,paperrollingunit,
firstaidroom,canteenforworkers,
ATM,meetingroometc.
2. Tillthetimeabovefacilitiesand
infrastructuresareconstructed,the
unitwillhavetoinvestfora
dedicatedspaceforsafestorageof
rawmaterials,finishedproducts,
packaging,labellingunit,separate
arrangementforboard&lodgeof
workers,primarilyfromsafety
pointofviewtoavoidany
untowardincidence.
6 Worksta 1. Thedemandoffirecrackersismore 1. Toenhancetheproductionlevelof
tions, thanthatwhatBarpetaunitscan Barpetafireworkstomanyfolds
Workspa collectivelysupply.Thereisahuge thereisaneedtocreategoodwork
ceand marketoffireworksinNorthEastern stationandworkspacewithbestof
Ergono RegionapproximatelyRs.200crore manufacturingfacilitiesasperthe
mics annually. prescribedexplosiveandsafety
2. Withpoorinfrastructure,lowresources laws.
andinadequateergonomically 2. Priortoworkstationinfrastructures,
considerationstheunitsareoperating toolsandmachinesdesignwillalso
ontheiroptimumcapacity. needtocarefullystudythehuman
posturesandergonomicconcerns
accordinglydesignthespace,
facilities,handtoolstoimprove
overallproductivity.
3. Properdesignoftheworkstation
willneedtodonebyexpertteam
fromDesignInstituteslikeIIT
Guwahati,NIDAhmedabad,MSME
ToolRoomGuwahatiwhichcan
allowpropersittingandworking
positionfortheworker.For
instanceifachairorastoolismore
appropriatewithelevatedorlow
tableorwhatcouldbeappropriate
handtoolstoworkcomfortablyfor
longhoursetc.
Hand 1. Poundingtool,manualgrindingunit, 1. Currentinhousehandtoolsare
Tools Ironrodsin2sizediameters14and adequate.Butthereisaneedto
24inch,2feetlongIronsteelrodof2 studyallthehandtoolsandwhat
sizediameters16&20mm,Sieve, considerreplacementwithsemior
hacksaw,bamboocutters,axeknife, fullyautomatedmachinesto
knife/cutter,scissor,mixingbowl, increaseefficiencyandqualityof
weighingmachineetcarethecommon thefinishedproducts.
toolsusedbytheunit
Researc 1. TheproprietorMrGopjitPathakis 1. Researchonavailabilityofsemi
hand exploringsemiautomatedpaperrolling automatedmachinesandsuppliers
Develop andcuttingmachineswhicharebeing inIndiaorabroadwhichcansuitthe
ment usedinChinesefireworkindustries. requirementoftheBarpetafirework
needstobedone.
2. Alltheunitsneedsinformation
aboutTooldesigns,available
machines,waystoimproveworking
conditionsandmethods,correct
bodypostures,bookkeeping,safety
norms,sale&expendituresetc
3. Adesignstudytorediesignthe
workstation,workspaceandtools.
Packaging&LabelsofcompetingfireworkbrandsinretailmarketofNorthEastregion
SWOTAnalysisofBarpetaTraditionalFireworkclusters
Strength
1. Barpeta product range centres on (1) Novelty fireworks and (2) Professional or display
fireworksdevice(largesizedfireworksexecutedbymanufacturersnominee)
2. Thereisahugedemandoffireworkproductswithwholesaleandassuredmarketchannelsfor
bulkproductswithinAssamandNorthEastregionestimatedtobeapproximately200crores.
3. ThedemandofBarpetafireworkismorethantheunitscancollectivelysupply
4. Barpeta firework products over the years enjoy goodwill known for the quality products as
comparedtoSivkasiorcheapChineseproducts.
5. The five units are the one of the oldest firework manufacturers in the region and hence also
enjoythepricemonopoly.
6. Good connectivity with State Capital Guwahati with regular road transport and train services
whichistwoandhalfhourhoursaway.
7. Apart from the key chemicals and explosive materials rest of the raw materials bamboo,
terracottapots,papers,jute,charcoalandothermaterialsareeasilyavailablelocally.
8. The127yearsoflegacyoftraditionalfireworkproductsovertheyearshaveestablisheditsown
distinctexcellenceandtraditionalidentityofcompletelyhandmadeproducts
9. Theunitscustomizesmanufacturingoffireworksasperspecialneedsofclients,bestsuitedfor
theoccasionmarriages,inauguration&closingceremonies,,festivals,specialceremonieslike
birthdays,marriageanniversariesetc.
10. Though engagement of manual labour is an issue but the units have their own young and
trustedworkforcewhoseemwillingtobefullyengagedwiththisactivity.
11. Aninitialworkorderwithsomeinvestmentcanprovidesustainedreturns.Theproductiondoes
not require power driven automated machines or any major investment. The trade secret is
knowledge of the chemicals and mixing the chemicals in correct proportion for different
productcategory.
12. Risingdisposableincomemeansthereisalsomoreabilityamongstcustomerstobuyfirework
onspecialfunctionslikemarriages,festivals,ceremonies,inaugurationfunctionsetc.
13. Clusteroffersgoodpotentialfordesigndevelopmentanddiversificationdevelopingrangeof
smallersampleproductsthatcanbeenchasedforretailmarketing.
14. The state government is interested to revive, expand and invest on traditional firework
industriesofBarpeta.Ithasalreadyinvestedonallotmentof30bighaoflandtoaccommodate
10fireworkunitsinthefirstphasewithconstructionofacompletefacilitiesandinfrastructure.
Weakness
1. Barpetaproductrangedoesnotfocusonstandardfireworksthatcanbeexecutedbyindividual
consumers (i.e. consumer/ household fireworks) while the mainstay of the market supplies
from other cluster appears to be such products. Most of the Barpeta traditional firework
productsarelargeinsizeandexpensiveforacommonman.Theseareusuallycarriedandput
onshowbyunitstaffinfestivals,functions,ceremoniesandcommunitygathering.Thereisno
smaller sized of same product line such as Charkhi, Sun Bazi, Fanoos, Letter Gash, Asman or
MatarGolawhichcanbepurchasedbyacommonenduser.
2. Sincetheunithavenotdealtwithconsumerfireworks,thereislimitedunderstandingoflikely
or unforeseeable misuse in hands of consumers. So while shifting to smaller size products is
feasible,cautionary labelingwhichwarnsconsumersofthe potentialdangersassociated with
thatfireworksandtellsthemguidelinesforusedonotexistwiththemanufacturer.
3. MainstayofBarpetaAtosbajiispyrotechnicdisplay(executionofthefireworks)butcapability
to execute large displays (for example fireworks that are setoff at the conclusion of mega
sports events) is not there. Exposure to execution at such scale is also not there. Manpower
skilledinsuchexecutionisalsonotthere.Sotheclustercanonlyexecutesmallsizeddisplays
aroundweddingsorshopinauguration.
4. Understanding of safety aspects amongst unit owners is limited. Some genealogical
descendants of this family have become Professors etc. but their education has taken them
away from the trade entirely. No one from the extended family has specialised in safety
engineeringorqualitycontrolaspectsortechnicalitiesofexplosiveproductsorappearsfamiliar
withit.
5. AtraditionalinputofBarpetafirecrackers,bamboo,doesnothaveanextendedshelflifehence
unusedbamboocannotbestoredfornextseason.Moreresearchanddevelopmentisrequired
onusageofpaperintheproduct.Chinahascompletelymovedtopaperwithfullyautomated
machineswhichistimeandcosteffective.
6. Poor infrastructure on work stations, workspace, storage, low on resources and poor
manufacturingfacilitiesofalltheunits
7. Majorityofthetimeoftheunitsgoesintofulfillingseasonalmarketorderssomehow.Thereis
notimeleftforinnovationontechnical,productionmarketingandresearchaspects.
8. The Barpeta firework products are known for their good quality but lack finishing and
standardisation and hence since last several years has not developed an established brand
identity
9. Thedifferentialratesbetweenretailandwholesaleseemthereishighdependenceontraders.
DirectsalespickuponlyafterDurgaPujaandcontinuetillendofMay.Therefore,thereisneed
todoplanningofproductiontomaximisereturns.
10. Duringmonsoonsduetohighmoistureandhumidcontenttheproductionstopscompletely
11. Productscannotbetransportedbytrainduetosafetylaws.Fortransportingbyroadthereisno
properpackagingeffortandapproachtominimisethedamageofproducts.
12. Thislackofappropriatepackagingalsolimitstheproductstransportationtolongdistancesto
othernortheasternregionsorevenfewpocketsofIndia
13. Large size products are relatively expensive (above Rs. 1500 per piece) seems as primary
determinantfortheunits.Theyassumedthatiflargepiecessoldwillgeneratemorerevenue
than smaller pieces. Increasing quantity of smaller pieces will sell faster with lesser capital
being locked up. Focus is more on production of bigger sizes hence will need strategy to
anticipateorrespondtotheretailmarketdemandandneeds.Thiswillalsodemandforproduct
diversificationandinnovationstoincreaseoverallprofitmargin.
14. Self funding production orsample developments isdifficultas money is locked up in finished
productsandtheproductscannotlasttillnextseason.Limitedcreditfacilitiesfurtherreduce
abilitytoinvestininputsandsampleproducts(workingcapital)forcontinuingproduction.This
hasforcedtheunitstoengagewithbulkwholesaleordersmostly.
15. Thefiveunitsdonothaveastandardregistrationorupdatedvalidexplosivelicenceeitherfrom
DIC or under Explosive Act once issue of explosive licence was stopped from Guwahati after
Assamdisturbancesfrom1980onwards.
16. Unitworkersworkinopenfieldwithoutanydedicatedworkstation.Thereisnopropersystem
ofstorageofexplosivechemicals,rawmaterials,handtools,finishedproducts,withanysafety
measuresorgearsforworkersmakingtheentirepremisevulnerabletoaccidents.
17. Investment on local labour is high as daily wages with meals (Rs. 260). Workers have other
livelihoodopportunitiesandthegeographywithsufficientrainpaddyagricultureensuresfood
securedascomparedtoSivkasi.
18. The workers are not provided with any safety gears such as masks, gloves, glasses while
working. There is no training and orientation on safety issues, chemical hazards, or ways to
improvetheirworkingconditions.
19. The fireworkproducts lookunfinished andrudimentary. Thefinishedproductis justwrapped
withsimplecolouredpaperwithnoidentity,logo,instructions,productcodeandspecifications
etc.
20. Ninety five percentage of the products are supplied to wholesalers hence the units have no
knowledgeofcustomerresponse,markettrends,profileofenduser,retailcosttheuserfinally
purchases.
21. Fewunitslackcomprehensiveunderstandingofqualityissues,novelty,valueaddition,costing
ofproductsandprofitorientation
22. Lack of interunit communication and collaboration. All the five units are working
independently and unwilling to work as a cohesive firework cluster. This can help for a
sustainedandfasterclustergrowthplanwhenthestateiswillingtoofferallsupportthrough
theproposedfireworkvillage.
23. Nextgenerationarelessinterestedin practisingtheactivity,soskillerosion is likely after the
presentgeneration.
24. Technosavvynessrequiredtoleverageinternetlinkagesformarketingispresentlylowamongst
threeunits.
Opportunities
1. Barpeta firecrafts business model is distinct from that of other areas. Most other
manufacturerselsewheresellfinishedgoodsoffirecrackersandtheirassociationends.Thekey
product sold in Barpeta is pyrotechnic display where the manufacturer sends nominees to
executethefireworksmanufacturedbytheunit.AseparateLicence(LE6)isneededtopossess
andusefireworksforpublicdisplayandthisarrangementenablescircumventingtheprovisions
ofExplosiveRules,2008atthecommercialuserslevels.Thisisthusasaleofservice(execution)
bundledwiththeproduct(firecrackers).Ratherthanmaking itanincidentalpartofsalesand
focussedmoreoncollectingpayment,thisbusinessmodelcanbeturnedintostrength.
2. Scopetoexpandvalueaddedfireworkproductsintosmallerrange
3. CreatealogoforbrandidentityofBarpetaTraditionalfireworksfromAssamandcapturethe
domesticmarketasauniquebrand
4. Thedomesticmarketcanexpandby50foldsatleastinthenortheasternregionitself
5. Thestatecanhelpfacilitatetosetupawholesalesupplierofchemicalsandexplosivematerials
in Barpeta with proper licence which can supply regular raw materials and chemicals to the
units
6. Packaging can help better outreach of product and also improve storage and shelf life of
productrangeconvenientatretailend.
7. Set up of a Common Facility Centre dealing with semiautomated machines and tools for
paper/card board rolling and cutting machines, bamboo splitting and cutting units, explosive
mixtureandfillingmachineetc
8. Productstorageanddisplayfacilityoffinishedsamplesalongwithestablishingcleanerworking
space,lighting,ventilation,safetyutilities,semiautomachineswillhelpexpandbusiness.
9. Intercommunicationandcooperationamongunitscanhelpplanforbettermarketstrategyto
diversify, specialise and increase quantity to respond to the increasing demand of firework
products in the region rather than competing with each other on same product lines. For
instance one unit can specialise to manufacture all varieties of Charkhi and another unit can
concentratejustondifferentrangeonAsmanGola(Skycrackers)orPhuljari(flowerpots).
10. It is presumed, once the firework village is operational, there is scope for Research and
Developmentopportunities.
11. Once the proposed Common Facility Centre is operational there is scope to set up semi
automatedmechanisedproductionprocesstoincreasequantityandmaketheretailpricemore
competitive.
12. Training workshops and interactive sessions will help increase awareness on importance of
severalstreamlineproductionissues
13. Business Development Service package developed for the units can include components on
design and development for product diversification, product packaging. Developing effective
communicationmechanismwithprospectivebuyers(bothregionalandnational),includinguse
ofInformationTechnologysothatonlineinformationonthefireworkproductsisavailableon
net.
Threat
1. The cluster started 130 years back when the fireworks sector was not regulated. Fireworks
manufacture,transport,saletodayisheavilyregulated.Stringentrequirementsarespecifiedin
Explosives Act and Explosive Rules, 2008. Statutory compliance requirements, regular
inspectionsarespecified.Abilityandresourcesneededtobuildfacilitiesincompliancewiththe
saidActandrulesislimited.
2. Seasonaldemandresultsinspurtindemandforlabourastheregularlabourersareunableto
fulfiltheorder.Theseasonallabourerhaslimitedornounderstandingofthetechnicalaspects
ofgrindingandfillingexplosivechemicals.
3. Formal technical learning is nonexistent. The unit owners and their employees know about
explosivesandtheirmanagementfromexperienceorhearsay.
4. Productsaresoldinalimitedarea,topeoplewithpriorfamiliaritywiththeproductsandthus
willingtopay:
CurrentlyonefixedsizeChakriissoldforRs.1800andtwopersonshavetoperformit.
NowthesmallestPhuljari(flowerpot)issoldforRs.50.
Outside of the area, the cost and benefit relative to products from different clusters is not
understoodaswell.
5. ThereisacompetitionwithbrandslikeSivkasiandChinesefirecrackerswhichmaylookfancy
andattractiveintheretailmarket.Duetolimitedproductpackaging,lackofinformationabout
Barpeta product, branding, large products and expensive and limited retail visibility new
customersmaynotbeencouragedtobuyBarpetaproduct.
6. Sivkasi and China fireworks are pushing cheaper and smaller products outside Assam and
competingonlargequantityfloodingtheretailmarketwithsemiandautomatedmachines.
7. Theattempttoreducecostattheconsumerendmayendupdilutingthedistinctiveattributes
oftheBarpetaAtosbajiandthemanufacturersbecomejustanothermakerofcrackers.
Barpeta could consider smaller Charkhi which can be packed and sold for Rs. 200.
FurtherpackedCharkhiwithinstructionwillreducedependencyonanotherperson.
Paperflowerpots(fountain)canbesoldforRs.15inaset2,and6ofRs.100120ina
packagedcontainerwithlogoandinstructionlabel.
Maintainingajudiciousbalanceofcostanduniqueattributesisnecessary.
8. There are increasing concerns with impact of Firecrackers on the environment. Children in
urbanschoolsarebeingorientedtosaynotocrackers.Productrangeforthewellheeledwill
needtomeshwithchangingdesireshighlightgeneratingbutlowsoundcrackersetcoruse
chemicalsthatarelessharmful.
9. Firework clusters are dependent on climate, availability of manual labour and other variants
suchasensuredsupplyofchemicals.Badweather,transportstrikeduetopoliticaldisturbances
orunavailabilityoflabourwillaffectproductionbadly.
10. The younger generation is reluctant to engage with the family trade and instead prefer
governmentemploymentashasbeenthecaseofMonoranjanFireworks.Outsidetradersmay
grabthisopportunityandtakeover
11. Lack of research and innovation to cater to new themes and seasons same product range
everyyear.
12. Possibility of health hazards due to poor ergonomics and inhalation of some of raw powders
whileworking,workingwithbarehandswithoutappropriatesafetygearsetc.
13. Duetolackofadherencetosafetyguidelinesandlicencetheinsurancecompaniesarealsonot
encouragedtoinsuretheunitpremise,workstation,rawmaterialsandworkforce.
14. As per the MSME Development Act, 2006, an enterprise is defined as micro enterprise if its
investment in plant machinery and equipment is respectively less than 25 lakh and ten lakh
rupees.ForunitslikeBarpetafireworkwithnoinvestmentinequipment/machinerythisisin
appropriatedescriptor.UnitedStatesofAmericareportedlydefinesMSMEwithrespecttoeach
sector,itishightimeweconsiderthis

DirectionsAhead:
1. Integrated Workstation & Tooling Design and Infrastructure facilities to increase the
scaleofproduction
2. The units needs to have updated infrastructure where the processing becomes more
lean,organisedandcosteffective
3. State government can facilitate to setup a licensed wholesale supplier of chemicals
andexplosivesinBarpetawhichwillsavemoney,energyandtimeforeachofthefive
unitstosourceindividuallyfromKolkata
4. Anintegratedclusterapproachwithinterventionsacrossthevaluechainwillbeuseful.
An efficient and more professional production system will help sourcing of raw
materials, inventory management, production, packaging unit, storage system,
respondingtomarketordersetc.Fewindividualsfromtheclustercanbetrainedtouse
computersandinternettoprocessbothonlineandtelephoneordersandkeeprecord
ofcompletedatafromAtoZ
5. The state government will need to support on Research and Development to assess
market strategy & trends, product innovations, updated machines & tools, chemical
combinations, technological advancements, ergonomical issues, redesigning space,
processesandequipments,safetystandardsetc.
6. Few machines needs to be designed and customised with technological support of
MSME Tool Room and IIT Guwahati such as paper rolling and cutting machine on
different diameters and lengths, bamboo cutting and splitting tools, mixer, grinders,
labelling&packagingprocessetc.
7. TheproposedCFCintheFireworkvillagewillneedadequatedesigningwithlayoutand
space design for workstation, safety standards, Improved ventilated spaces, tools &
equipmentswhichreducetimeandcostonmanuallabour,packagingunit,safestorage
ofexplosivechemicals,rawmaterialsandfinishedproductsetc.
8. Packagingisanessentialpartofthevaluechainandplaysanimportantroleinthefinal
choice the consumer makes. Specific product appropriate packaging will directly aid
convenience,appeal,productinformation,safetyinstructionsandbranding.
9. Marketing Linkages and Brand Promotion: Barpeta firework is a unique product of
Assam but its popularity is limited within the state and few north eastern locations
whereverthepeopleofthestatereside.Majorityofthepeopleoutsidethestateare
unaware of the product. Adequate marketing linkage will help develop Barpeta
firework with both backward and forward linkages. Efforts need to be taken to
establish the brand of the product for the attention it deserves as a quality over the
years.
10. Logo and umbrella branding of Barpeta products as well as individual cluster units
identityisrequired.
11. TheStateGovernmentshouldinitiateGeographicalIndication(GI)ofBarpetafirework
asadistinctproductfeaturesandidentityproducedinthatlocationsinceithasbeen
manufacturingtheproductrangeformorethan100years.Itsdistinctiveaspectswould
includeclaycontainers,useofbamboo,sizeofthefireworks.
12. The state government should also support in Certification of the quality of firework
productsproducedinBarpeta.
BarpetaTraditional
FireworkUnits
(5%)Retail (80%)Wholesale (10%)Government

Stationary/Gift TradersinAssam DepartmentsinAssam
Shops &otherNEStates
&NE
EndUsers/CustomersusingfireworkinFestivals,Marriages&Ceremonies
Designprojectopportunitiesatclusterlevel
RecommendationandWayForward:
Scopeofinterventionataglance
Packaging, IntegratedWorksta
OrganisingBarpeta Communication tion&ToolingDesign
FireworkProducers andumbrella
andInfrastructure
Federation Brandingof
facilitiestoincrease
Barpetaproducts
thescaleofproduction
Setupalicensed
wholesalesupplier
Firework
ofchemicalsand
SafetyIssues
explosives
MSMEsDesignClinic Tooldesign,
Brand Ergonomics,
Schemetoimpact
Promotion& Safetyand
Productivity,
Productwise HealthIssues
Profitability,andOverall
Marketwise
GrowthoftheCluster
Strategy&
linkages Geographical
Indications(GI)
forBarpeta
Storageofraw Traditional
materials,tools Firework
andfinished
products WorkingCapital
Trainingand SMEUnitand andCredit
Orientation groupInsurance Facility
Packaging,CommunicationandumbrellaBrandingofBarpetaproducts
Barpeta firework products are not sold as prepackaged pieces. All range of firework
products presently are of baked earthen pots, bamboo or paper therefore the chemical
mixture inside is prone to moisture and humidity if stored long. There is problem of
transporting the products by road increasing chances of damage. Customers who are
unaware about Barpeta firework products may not know where it is being produced.
Therefore packaging will be an essential part of the value chain which will play an
important role. Specific product appropriate packaging will directly aid transportation
convenience, proper storage, visual appeal & branding, display product information &
safetyinstructions.
The MSME units also need to become market and techno savvy to leverage marketing
systems while generating better returns for them. Efforts must be around ways to build
Barpetafireworkproductsasabrandwhichstandsforqualitystandards.Thereisaneedto
createaBarpetaAtisbazi(Firework)Logoandumbrellabrandingwhichwillbeownedbyall
thefireworkmanufacturingunitslocatedinBarpeta.AllstakeholdersincludinglocalDICC
&AIIDCofficesneedtoworktogetheronestablishingthisBarpetafireworkbrand.
BrandPromotion&ProductwiseandMarket
wisePriceStrategy&Linkages
The units propose a projected retail and
wholesale selling price. In 80 percent case the National
Market
wholesale selling prices is determined by the
wholesaletraders.Theproductmovestoeither
the retailers or government departments or to
theenduserswithadditionalmarkup.Hencea
NorthEasternregionand
product sold for Rs. 1800 may finally be EasternIndia
purchased for Rs. 2000, and this difference
between manufacturers selling price and the
end user retail price is not known to the
BarpetafireworkMSMEunits.Thereforepricing
is a key determinant factor and productwise LocalBarpetaandAssam
pricing has to be decided depending on the
nature of market it targets; to be retailed or
wholesaled.
BarpetafireworkisrangeofuniqueproductsofAssambutitspopularityislimitedwithin
the state and few north eastern locations. Majority of the people outside the state are
unawareoftheproduct.Bothbrandoftheproductneedstobeestablishedandbothnew
wholesale and retail market linkages for the attention it deserves as a quality over the
years.
TheMSMEinterventionisrequiredtotransformthislocalproductintonationalproductby
forgingpartnershipbetweenproducersanddifferentmarketsegmentswithdifferentprice
range.Henceneedtotargetfromlocal&statetonortheasttonationalmarkettosomeof
thekeymetros,cities,andcustomerspecificofferingwithwideproductandpricerange
OrganisingBarpetaFireworkProducersFederation
Theindividualunitswillneedtoorganisethemselvesintoaguildorproducersfederation
asenterpriseowners.Theyhavetoworktogetherundermutuallybeneficialpartnerships
with all external stake holders including workers, government, buyers, private traders,
institutions,etc.
This integrated approach with interventions across the value chain will be useful for
efficientandmoreprofessionalproductionsystem.Itwillhelpthemcollectivelytosource
bulk procurement of raw materials, manage inventory, organise production, packaging
unit,storagesystem,respondtomarketorders,impressmemberswithqualityparameters,
finishing,costing,gradingofproducts,fixingofproductpricing,directliaisonwithmarket
etc.
At a later stage this producers federation located in the firework village can act as a
resource hub building direct linkages receive services related to trainings on production
aspects,safety,technologicalissuesetc.Producersfederationsyearlycalendarofactivities
andevents,sampleworketccanbeuploadedandupdatedontheirEMarketingportalsfor
onlineorderswith50percentadvancepaymentandondoordelivery.Fewindividualsfrom
the units can be trained to use computers and internet to process both online and
telephoneordersandkeeprecordofcompletedatafromAtoZ
Productspecialisation
AlltheunitsinBarpetaproduceidenticalproducts.Onlyonetwounistproduceadditional
firecrackers with distinctive features like Fanoos, Colour Smoke, Abir blast etc. Each unit
specialising in a core product range can be considered. It may also reduce interunit
competition. A specialisation may enable better management of inventory of chemicals
needed to manufacture, printing of specialised information materials for ultimate
consumers to be pasted on large size products or packing boxes etc. The product
specialisationwillalsoenablestandardisationoftheproduct/manufacturing processand
bemoreamenabletotestingforfirehazardinaFirehazardtestinglaboratory.
Licensingtomanufacture,sellanddisplayoffirework
Way back in 1910 following appreciation of Queen Victoria, the founder of the Barpeta
cluster, Late Lakshiram Pathak of Mojorhati was awarded a licence by the British
governmenttocarryonwithmanufactureanddisplayoffireworks.Todayhoweverthefive
fireworkunitsdonothavelicensesinforce.Incaseofsomeitwasnotrenewedatsome
point of time. Renewal later proved difficult since the units do not comply with the
licensingrequirementanddonothold allieddocumentslike EM PartIIetc.Ironicallythe
sole unit Monaranjan Fire Works, Brindawanhati, Barpeta which has explosive licence
has actually stopped production since 2013. Before full authorisation for all units is
feasible, it may be relevant for the cluster as a whole to keep Monaranjan Fire Works
licenceinforcesothatoperationsofotherunits,whenneededcanbecertifiedasunderits
licence.
Thestategovernmentshouldalsosupportfacilitatingtheunitsinissueoflicenceandalso
CertificationofthequalityoffireworkproductsproducedinBarpeta.
Setupalicensedwholesalesupplierofchemicalsandexplosives
Theunitspresentlyessentiallyoperateontheirowninmattersofsourcingrawmaterials,
productionandsale.TheyprocurechemicalsfromKolkata.Itwillbeimportantforhaving
interrelationbetweenthefireworkunitsandtheirfunctionsinaholisticenvironment.State
governmentwillneedtofacilitatetosetupalicensedwholesalesupplierofchemicalsand
explosivesinBarpetawhichwillsavemoney,energyandtimeforeachofthefiveunitsto
sourceindividuallyfromKolkata.
AccessibilityandCommunication
Barpeta is easily accessible within 23 hours from the state capital Guwahati.
Transportation is affordable due to effective services by Assam State Transport, private
busses,wingersetc.Telecommunicationaccessislessofanissuetoday.Theubiquitouscell
phoneisavailablewiththeunits.Internetasmediumofcommunicationispracticallynot
usedatalltheunitsexceptoneoftheunit.
IntegratedWorkstation&ToolingDesignandInfrastructurefacilitiestoincreasethescale
ofproduction(CFC)
Theunitslackworkstation,workspace,appropriateinfrastructureandtools.Theworkers
work onanyspaceavailable.Mostoftheproductionrelatedactivitiesofstoring,cutting,
splitting, grinding, mixing, filling, labelling can be provided in a integrated Workstation &
TooldesignintheproposedCommonFacilityCentreinfireworkvillage.Theunitswillneed
updated infrastructure where the processing becomes more lean, organised and cost
effective.
As and when the units starts engaging with the market collectively and develop value
addedfireworkproductsrangealotofworkwillneedtobeexploredatacommonworking
space using different machines and tools. A common facility centre will help in that
direction with proper work space, electricity, storage, water supply, display space, tools
andequipmentsetc.Anarrangementwhereeachoftheunitswillhavetocontributetheir
earning to their firework village corpus fund and later this amount can be utilized with
support of matching grant or bank loans to purchase advance tools, bulk wholesale raw
materials, equipments, bank finance for venture capitals to install common online
informationfacility,transportationandpackagingunitetc.
Tooldesign,Ergonomics,SafetyandHealthIssues
The hand tools, working space and body posture does not support efficiency. There is
scopefortechnologyupgradationintoolsandsemiautomatedmachines.Fewmachines
needstobedesignedandcustomisedwithtechnologicalsupportofMSMEToolRoomand
IITGuwahatisuchaspaperrollingandcuttingmachineondifferentdiametersandlengths,
bamboocuttingandsplittingtools,mixer,grinders,labelling&packagingprocessetc
Some of the common health ailments shared by the workers were eyes irritation,
respiratory problems due to inhaling chemical dusts/fumes, back, leg, neck and shoulder
ache,gastricproblemsetc.Howeveraseparatehealthresearchneedtobeconductedto
studythehealthstatusmoreindetail.
The proposed CFC in the Firework village will need adequate designing with layout and
space design for workstation, safety standards, improved ventilated spaces, tools &
equipmentswhichwillreducetimeandcostonmanuallabour,packagingunit,safestorage
ofexplosivechemicals,rawmaterialsandfinishedproductsetc
WorkingCapitalandCreditFacility
Limited credit facilities for working capital reduce ability to invest in research and
development around product innovations or creating product samples. Only two units
actually making annual profit more than Rs. 810 lakhs but even they have the limited
capacity to invest in production throughout the year and wait for wholesale orders and
successfulsalesduringtheseasons.Selffinancedinitiativesarelimitedasownsavingand
theresourcesareblockedtillthesalesoccur.
AtleastunitslikeManoranjanFireworkandLaxmiFireworkwillrequireworkingcapitalso
that growth does become a reality. Under the aegis of the producerfederation the units
can jointly avail credit facility once there is a business model, regular market orders and
production.
Allied facilities which have their own capital cost implication beyond the unit owners
abilitiesareneeded:
Offset printing for packaging according to Barpeta manufacturers Sivkasi has 100
offsetprinters
Paper rolling and cutting machineof different diameter and length costing over Rs. 4
lakhsisneeded.
PapercasingballsofdifferentdiametersisneededforAsmanGola
Storageofrawmaterials,toolsandfinishedproducts
Except one, other four units are operating close to residential zone as cottage industry
during working hours hence appropriate storage and display of products is completely
lacking. The finished products are stored with the raw materials and tools in cartons,
thermocolboxesetc.
Designingappropriateandsafestorageoptionsisneeded.Attheproposedfireworkvillage
CFCfireresistantstoragesystemsneedtobeconsideredtoaffordbetterprotection.Some
displayspacecanalsobeconsideredunitwiseoronarotationalbasis(apartfromtheweb
based portal suggested earlier). Assuring security at the CFC will be important if finished
productsarestoredonitspremise.
TrainingandOrientation
Scopeoftrainingandorientationalsoneedstobeaugmented:
1. Health,Ergonomics,EnergysavingsandenvironmentalIssues
2. Safetysafehandlingandstorageofchemicals,firehazardanditsmitigation
3. HandlingofToolsandEquipments
4. Technologicaladvancementrelatedtothechemicals
5. MaterialmanagementStorage,Labelling,Pricing,Inventorymanagementetc
6. Packagingoffinishedgoods
7. Computer literacy Few individuals from the units to integrate computers in

communication with prospective clients; storing a digital catalogue of their work to
enableanalysis.
8. Understanding Geographical Indications (GI), the history of GI registration, scope for
different GI registrations, capitalising on GI in direct sales, process for objecting to
usurpationofthetermbyotherartistslocatedelsewhere.
9. Understanding institutional forms like Mutually Aided Cooperatives, Producer
companies
GeographicalIndications(GI)forBarpetaTraditionalFireworkproducts
Geographical Indications (GI) identifies goods possessing attributes which are essentially
attributabletothatgeographicalorigin.ThislawwasadoptedbyIndiain2003.Barpetais
thenameofaregionanditisadistricttooacleargeographicalattribute.Thereisarisk
thatsomeonemayprocuretheBarpetaAtosbajifromoriginalBarpetaproducersinbulk
and then may repackage or label them with another trademark. Therefore the cluster
units organising themselves as Barpeta Firework Producers Federation based in Barpeta
canassertfortheirGIregistration.
The State Government, local Barpeta DICC and AIIDC offices should help facilitate
GeographicalIndication(GI)ofBarpetafireworkasadistinctproductfeaturesandidentity
produced in that location since it has been manufacturing the product range more than
100years.Theunitsneedtobefacilitatedtocreateawebpresenceaswelltocounterany
possibleonslaughtfromothermanufacturers.
It is also important to examine who is the applicant of the GI registration of Barpeta

fireworks and whatshouldbethedistinctattributesidentifiedastypicalof the products.
Use of bamboo, use of baked clay containers, traditional handmade products, sizes are
some of distinctive features. This distinctiveness of each product category needs to be
identified for GI registration. Multiple applications may be needed for different Barpeta
product categories with distinctive features. The GI application needs to be assessed in
association with Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) under
MinistryofCommerceandIndustrywhichhandlesGIandwouldgivetheGIregistrationsto
Barpetafirework.
Patenting
GIregistrationwillensuremanufacturingislimitedtoBarpetaofanyproductthatbrands
itself as Barpeta Atosbaji . The cluster could also consider patenting design to produce a
particularaudibleandvisualeffectusingthenativematerialstraditionallyusedinBarpeta
fireworks.ThismaypreventmoreresourcerichpartiesenteringmanufacturinginBarpeta
in response to greater publicity to Barpeta Atosbaji. For this an association of the units
couldbefacilitated.
ResearchandDevelopmentIssues
ThestategovernmentinitiallywillhavetosupportonResearchandDevelopmenttoassess
market strategy & trends, product innovations, updated machines & tools, chemical
combinations, technological advancements, ergonomical issues, redesigning space,
processesandequipments,safetystandardsetc.Someoftheresearchareaspertainingto
thefireworkclustercouldbe:
1. Studyonhealthimpactduetoworkingpostureoftheworkersofdifferentagegroup
considering ergonomics of the work area and the hand tools and other components
used
2. Market research to explore retail market demand (existing and potential) and
possibilities to establish direct tieups for regular and bulk orders with potential
companies,governmentdepartments,associationsinthenortheastregion
3. Scopefortechnologicaladvancementrelatedtothechemicals
4. Testing technological upgradation in redesigning work space, processes and
equipments,etc.
5. Studying and documenting the products and production process in the country and
maybeChinatoincorporatescopeforimprovements.
FireworkSafetyIssues
Thoughtnotofficiallyonrecordtherehavebeenaccidents:
InOctober2012aftermidnightamajorfireengulfedRs.35lakhsworthoffinished
goodsandlooserawmaterialskeptintheopengodownofaunit.Threeworkers
whocouldnotescapegotinjuredwhoweretreatedbytheunitproprietor.Anight
watchmanhassincebeenemployedatasalaryofRs.8500afterthisincidence.Rs.
5lakhsascompensationwassanctionedfromCMsfundbutnotreceived.
Therearesomeotherinstanceswherechemicalmixturebeinggrindedignitingand
causing explosion for example instead of grinding Barium powder and sulphur a
worker grinded potassium chloride which looked similar to Barium and took
potassiumingoodquantity.Duetofrictionalheattheupperpartofgrindingstone
exploded and caused severe injury to the worker. The worker continues to be
employedoncompassionategrounds.
BecauseoflaxusagewiselandzoningnormsinBarpetathefourtraditionalunitscontinue
to operate in residential zones. The Barpeta firecracker industry lacks organised factory
norms with precautions and safety measures. Under the Explosive Act firecrackers are
Class7explosiveswithspecificationonmanufacturingandstorage.
1. EveniftheunitsmovetotheAtosbazivillagefacilitybeingsetupoutsideBarpeta
forthem,adoptionoffirehazardmitigationmethodsisneeded:
Afacilityforsafegrindingofthechemicalmixtureneedstobeidentifiedin
theCFCratherthanitbeingdoneineachunit
Standardising compositions so that final product is within the prescribed
rangeforthatclassofexplosivefirecracker
Standardisationofthelengthoffuse
Classificationofproductsintermsofsoundat4metredistancefrompoint
ofexplosion
Wallposters,labelswithinstructiononhandlingchemicalsisputup
Categorisation of tasks such that tasks requiring some technical
understanding of chemicals and their nature are not given to green horn
workers
Colourcodingofcontainerswithspecificmaterialsuchthatchemicaltobe
usedisclearlyidentifiedvisually.Thesamecolourcodetobeusedacrossall
the units so that parttime workers who may work in different
establishmentsacrosstheyearandovertheyearshaveacommonreference
point.
Firefightingfacilitiesneedtobeinstalledwallmountedfireextinguishers
arefunctionalandathand,smokedetectors

2. There is need to develop a Firesafety drill and a Fire safety protocol and orient
owners and employees on it. This drill needs to include orientation on plan to
handle emergencies, establish a clear line of action; escape route; water
arrangement, phone numbers to inform Police and Fire Station be displayed
prominently, ensuring fire escapes are not padlocked; that raw materials and
finished goods are not placed in close proximity; necessity of constructing a
separation wall between storage and work area is understood; chemical is
processedbutafterdulybeingissuedbyamoreexperiencedworker.

3. Compliance with Explosive Rules, 2008 will warrant changes even how product is
labelledortransportedasseenfromthefollowingexamples
a.) Marking on packaging of fireworks "In case of fireworks, explosive
composition,quantityofsuchcomposition,whethersoundemittingcrackersor
colourorlightemittingcrackers,soundlevel,acautionorwarningindicatingthe
nameoftheitem,manufacturersname,methodoffiringandprecautionstobe
taken both in words and pictorial view shall be printed on each piece of
fireworksandcardboardboxandwhereadequatespaceisnotavailableonthe
fireworks, such caution or warning shall be printed on a separate label and
insertedinthesmallestpacketorcarton"
b.) Transportationvansneedtohavefireextinguisherscapableofdealingwithfire
involvingelectriccircuitsandtheother,withotherinflammablecomponents
4. Standardisingproductnormsforexample:
Rankingproductsintermsofpyrotechniccompositionmaterials
Standardisingthelengthoffusetobeusedonproductsburningofuseto
reachingtheignitionmasala

5. Initiatingafiresafetyaudit(servicesofaFireSafetyEngineercanberequisitioned
bythegovernment)ofthebuildingplan:
Approvalofthebuildingplanandlayoutof theAtosbajivillagefromExplosive
Director(usuallyanecessityunderExplosivesAct)
Explosive Act requires amongst others substantial mound (may accept blast
wallsinsomecases)tobesetuparoundtheplaceofmanufacturing
The store rooms for highly flammable raw materials is away from
manufacturingarea
Fireescapesareinstalledanddemarcated
Wallmountedfireextinguishersarefunctionalandathand
Smokealarmsareinstalled
Ensuring that the Common Facility Centre complies at least on the filling and
mixing room with respect to the Explosive Rules, 2008 Specification 3
(applicable to fire crackers) and Part 4 Set 1 (conditions of licenses for
manufacture of fireworks or gunpowder less than 15 kilogram in weight). For
exampletheExplosivelicenceapplicationrequiresdeclarationonmaintenances
ofprescribedinterdistancesinmetressetoutinPart4,Set1ofExplosiveRules
between ingredient shed, manufacturing shed and drying platform and
constructionwithwallsofprescribedthickness.Ifeachunitcannotcomplywith
this norm individually common facilities may need to be considered for each
suchoperationintheCFC.

6. Most of the units may not have the requisite permissions to manufacture
explosives.SupportwillbeneededforfilingapplicationwiththeChiefControlleron
Explosivesandfilingouttherequisiteforms/complyingwiththerequirements

SMEUnitandgrouppersonnelInsurance
A repeating refrain of the unit owners was that the SME unit or the workers cannot be
insuredasitdoesnotfulfiltheinsuranceguidelinesandthattheunitscannotclaimforany
insuranceloss.Someofthereasonsstatedthattheunitsareoperatinginresidentialarea.
The manufacturing unit itself will not be able to get fire insurance or third party liability
coveragetillitcomplieswithprovisionsofexplosiveActandfirehazardmitigationaspects
thatfigureinpreinsurancesurveyauditofpremises.
Itisfeasibletogetgroupinsuranceforpersonnelincludingtemporarypersonnelunderthe
aegisofthecollectiveconsistingofthefiveunitsandtheiremployeesoreachunitapplying
individually.HoweveratthetimeofinsuranceclaimsitmaywarrantstepslikefilingofFirst
InformationReport(FIR)withthelocalpolicestationwhichisthestumblingblockfromthe
proprietorastheaccidenthastobeexplained.

a. Accidentinsuranceeitherstandaloneoraspartoflifeinsurancepolicythrough
paymentofadditionalpremiumisfeasible.Howevertheclaimispayableonlyif
a FIR is lodged with the police on the accident. In case of death PostMortem
reportanddeathcertificatewillbeneeded.Thepremiumforaccidentinsurance
issmallandvarieswithageofthepersonbeingemployedandisnotrelatedto
the nature of the enterprise. The policy premium can be paid by the unit
proprietorbutthebeneficiarywillbetheworker.Howeverrepeatedclaimswill
increasepremiumpayable.
b. Groupmedicalinsurancecashlessmedicalreimbursementfacilitiesisavailable
eveninJantaMedicalpolicywherepremiumissubsidised.Privatehospitalsare
also recognised for provision of such care but are mostly reluctant to honour
medical cards as reimbursements are delayed. If a regular group medical
insuranceisdonepaymentcanbemadeandlaterreimbursementobtainedby
theholderoftheinsurancepolicy.Fullrecoveryofamountpaidmaynothappen
duetonormsoftheinsuringcompany.Hence,careneedstobetakentoavail
facilitieslikegeneralwardthatkeepshospitalbilllowandhencegreaterpartis
reimbursed.PrivatehospitalslikeCMCVellorehonourthesemedicalcardsand
canbeconsideredfortreatmentafterstabilisingpatient.Premiumisdependant
onageofthepersonbeinginsured.Howeverthiswillrequiredocumentingthe
nature of the injury and medicolegal aspects if nature of injury is not
satisfactorily explained. Explanation like road accident need to backed with at
leastastationdiaryentryinthelocalpolicestation.
c. Life insurance is payable on death of insured or his incapacity. For claim
paymentonlyadeathcertificateisrequired.Thepremiumcanbepaidthrough
deductionoftheemployeewagesorbytheUnit.Iftheemployeepaythenthey
cangoforlifeinsurancewherethepremiumisreturned(endowmentormoney
back) should the insured survive the insurance term. The unit owner or the
workers and the unit owner collectively could go for a simple term insurance
wherethepremiumisnotreturnedattheendoftheinsuranceperiodbutrisk
cover is high in comparison to the premium payable. Term life insurance is
cheaper than other life insurance. It also has least medicolegal aspects.
Premiumcanbepaidbyunitownerbuttheinsuredworkerorhisnomineewill
betherecipientoftheclaim.
2. Fire insurance of the units in the new location may be a good idea also because the
unitswouldbesubjectedtoafiresafetyaudit.
3. Moneyintransitinsurancecanbeconsideredforcashtransferbetweenmajorclients
andtheunitandisfeasibleirrespectiveofthenatureofthebusiness.
Itmaybegoodtounderstandaboutinsurancefromabroker.Anagentislimitedtoselling
products of only one company while broker can tell and sell a range of products from
differentinsurers.

ListofartisansunderthefiveMSMEunitsvisitedunderNeedAssessmentSurvey
AssamFireworkIndustries
1. DeepmaniPathak,ProprietorCell:09954797018,03665235750
2. DimpleSutradhar
3. ArupDas
4. GaneshDas
5. ChinmoyDas
6. LokaDas
7. MrityunjaySutradhar
8. RitamaniPathakProprietorCell:09577388275
9. MariamiPathakProprietorCell:09954172186
10. SatishNath
11. HimanshuDas
12. DevanandNath
13. PranjalDas
LaxmiFireWorks
14. NaliniPathakProprietorCell:09954322321,03665236276
15. AchintaPathakProprietorCell:09435024849
16. NilkantDas
17. KunakanPathak
18. BarbelDas
19. AjitDas
20. HarideoPathak
ManaranjanFireWorks
21. HimanshuPathakProprietorCell:09707805695
22. RamanimohanPathakProprietorCell:09957494329
23. ModhusudanPathak

BarpetaAtisbazi
24. GopjitPathak,ProprietorCell:09954888882,08811899880
25. MoonDas
26. BipulDas
27. PadmalasanDas
28. PinkuDas
29. NarayanDas
30. AbhinashOjha
31. BuljitDas

Creditsforreferenceinformation
http://www.newkerala.com/statesofindia/assam.php
http://assam.gov.in/
http://www.mapsofindia.com/assam
http://barpeta.nic.in/index.htm
http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/142barpeta.html
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1131102/jsp/northeast/story_17522342.jsp#.U8QLK5
SSxmo
http://peso.gov.in/PDF/ExplosiveRules2008.pdf
NewpaperarticleofTheTelegraphofCalcuttaEditionon03November2013byTejesh
KumarandagenciesCrackerofaDiwaliinBarpetaGoodtimesbackfor127yrold
industrywithRs.7crgovtgrant
ProjectnoteofAIIDCdated22December2012toDeputyCommissioner,Barpetafor
landallotmenttosetupFireworkvillageatGanakkuchi
DesignClinicWorkshopsofMSME
BarpetaTraditionalFireworkCluster
Barpetadistrict,Assam

Micro,SmallandMediumEnterprise(MSME)
DesignClinicScheme
0206August2014

DesignExpert
ShirsenduGhosh
Fourth Dimension
8986459632,8294140504
fourthdimension.mail@gmail.com,shirseng@gmail.com

Withsupportof
DistrictIndustry&CommerceCentre,(DICC),Barpeta,Assam&
NIDMSMENorthEastRegionalOffice,Guwahati,Assam

DesignClinicWorkshopReportofMSME:0206August2014:ShirsenduGhoshonBarpetaTraditionalFireworks,BarpetaDistrict,Assam
Contents
DesignClinicWorkshop,BarpetaTraditionalFirework.............................................................3
Inauguration:DesignClinicWorkshopon2ndAugustatBarpeta............................................4
DayTwo......................................................................................................................................6
ActivityOne:IntroductiontoStandardisedproduct..............................................................7
ActivityTwo:LogoDesign......................................................................................................8
DayThree.................................................................................................................................10
ActivityOne:ProductDevelopment....................................................................................10
ProductfeaturesofmodifiedmediumsizePhuljari:........................................................10
ProductfeaturesofmodifiedsmallsizePhuljari:.............................................................11
ProductfeaturesofmodifiedgroundCharkhi:................................................................13
ProductfeaturesofmodifiedhandCharkhi:....................................................................13
ProductfeaturesofmodifiedSunBazi:............................................................................15
ProductfeaturesofreducedHappyDiwaliLetterGash:.................................................16
ProductfeaturesofreducedShyamaPujaLetterGash:..................................................17
ProductfeaturesofreducedOmLetterGash:.................................................................18
ProductfeaturesofsmallsizeMata(sparklers)...............................................................19
ProductfeaturesofmediumsizeMata(sparklers)..........................................................19
DayFour...................................................................................................................................20
ActivityOne:ProductDetailing............................................................................................20
ActivityTwo:PackagingDesign............................................................................................21
ActivityThree:LabelDesign.................................................................................................23
DayFive....................................................................................................................................24
Concludingsession...............................................................................................................29
Acknowledgment.....................................................................................................................31
DesignProjectPotentialforPhaseThreeMSMEDCS.............................................................32
ResearchandDevelopmentIssues......................................................................................32
CompliancewithExplosiveRules,2008...............................................................................32
GeographicalIndications(GI)forBarpetaTraditionalFireworkproducts..........................33
PatentingofBarpetaTraditionalFireworkproducts...........................................................33
Digitalproductcatalogue,brandbuildingandCapitalisingonWebbasedEMarketingPortal......33
DesignofHandtoolsandsemiautomatedmachines.........................................................33
StudyonErgonomics,SafetyandHealthIssues..................................................................34
DevelopingTrainingandOrientationmodules....................................................................34
Panelofguestexpertsintheworkshop..................................................................................35
ListofWorkshopParticipants..................................................................................................36
LinkagesestablishedforBarpetaFireworkcluster..................................................................37

DesignClinicWorkshop,BarpetaTraditionalFirework
The Design Clinic Workshop is the second module of the Design Awareness Programme
organisedbytheDCSMSME.InformationcollectedduringtheNeedAssessmentSurveyof
the cluster, through interactions with firework MSME manufacturers, artisans and
observations, was evaluated to formulate the logical activities for the Design Clinic
Workshop.
A five day long Interactive Design Awareness workshop was held between 0206 August
2014 at Barpeta district, Assam under the aegis of Integrated Rural Artisan Development
Organisation with support of District Industry and Commerce Centre, Barpeta and NID
MSMENorthEastRegionaloffice.
IRADOandDICCBarpetajointlyorganisedandcoordinatedthefivedaylongworkshopand
invited all the participants from the firework cluster. The workshop was attended by five
fireworkunitsofBarpetaclusterwhowerethekeyrespondentsintheNeedsAssessment
Survey (NAS). The Design Consultant and other workshop resource persons provided
technicalanddesignperspective.
The objective of Design Clinic Workshop was to create a platform where all the cluster
participants could generate holistic perspective for their scenario with the help of Design
consultant.Theexpert/salsohelpedtheparticipantsinidentifyingboththeweaknessesand
opportunityareasintheirrespectiveunitsaswellclusteroverallwiththehelpofinteractive
design study insights. The Design Expert/s also helped in providing on the spot design
solutions to their problems taken up by members from their respective backgrounds on
products, process, communication & branding, packaging, retail market strategy, pricing.
Themajoractivitiesof5daysdesignclinicworkshopatBarpetawerethefollowing:
1. PresentanddiscussopportunityareasidentifiedfromNeedAssessmentSurvey
2. PresentationsofkeyfindingsfromNASbyDesignexpert
3. RemediestospecificdesignfocusedproblemstakenupbytheMSMEunits.

Inauguration:DesignClinicWorkshopon2ndAugustatBarpeta
DayOne:
Date:02Aug2014: InaugurationofDesignClinicworkshop
10.00AMto11.00AM RegistrationofParticipants
11.00AMto11.10AM WelcomeofalltheofficialsbyNilufarSheikh,ProjectOfficerNID
MSMENorthEasternRegionandrepresentativesofBarpeta
fireworkcluster
11.10AMto11.15AM InaugurationoftheworkshopbyShriDilipKumarBarua,General
ManagerDistrictIndustries&CommerceCentre,BarpetaAssam
11.15AMto12.30PM SharingofexpertviewsbytheguestsspeakersonBarpetaFirework
cluster
12.30PMto12.45PM WelcomenotebyShriDilipKumarBarua,GeneralManagerDistrict
Industries&CommerceCentre,BarpetaAssam
12.45PMto1.00PM Teakbreak
1.00PMto2.00PM PresentationontheobjectiveonDesignClinicSchemeforMSMEs
byMsNilufarSheikhProjectOfficerNIDMSMENorthEastRegion,
Guwahati,Assam
2.00PMto2.45PM SessionandpresentationbyKajalKumarSaha,ProjectManager,
MSMEToolRoom&TrainingCentre,Guwahati
02.45PMto03.15PM SharingofKeyfindingsfromtheNASReportrelevant&commonto
theworkshopparticipantsbyNIDMSMEDesignConsultant
ShirsenduGhosh
03.15PMto03.45PM Participatorydiscussionwithworkshopparticipantsonneeds
identifiedandDesignClinicworkshopforwardplanfornextfour
daysbyDesignConsultant
03.45PMto04.00PM VoteofThanksbyMsNilufarSheikhProjectOfficer,NIDMSME
NorthEastRegion
4.00PM Teawithrefreshment
ThefirstdayoftheDesignClinicWorkshopcommencedat11AMintheworkshopvenue
TarunRamPhukanHall,Barpeta.MsNifularSheikhProjectOfficerNIDMSMENorthEastern
Regionwelcomedtheofficialsandworkshopparticipants.
1. DilipKumarBarua,GeneralManager,DICCBarpeta
2. TaiyuddinAhmed,ProjectManager,DICCBarpeta
3. ManabendraSahaDeputyDirector,DepartmentofEconomics&Statistics
4. DrManajitKumarDas,BodolandUniversity,Guwahati
5. KajalKumarSaha,ProjectManager,MSMEToolRoom&TrainingCentre,Guwahati

Ms Nilufar Sheikh NIDMSME NE Project Officer presented in length about Design
InterventionsforMSMEswithaDesignClinicApproach.Shebriefedabouttheobjectiveof
theDesignClinicSchemestatingthefollowingobjectives:
EnhanceunderstandingandapplicationofdesignandinnovationinMSMEs
Promote Design as a value adding activity and integrating the same into the
mainstreambusinessandindustrialprocessesofMSMEs
BringtheMSMEsectoranddesignexpertiseintoacommonplatform
Provide expert advice and solutions on real time design problems, resulting in
continuousimprovementandvalueadditionforexistingproducts
Valueaddedcosteffectivesolutions.

Ms Nilufar mentioned about the role of design in business is to create value, do things
better,improvethesituationandmakeapositivedifference.Barpetafireworkclustercan
usethedesignprocesstoaddvaluetotheirproducts,processandservices.
GuestspeakerShriKajalKumarSahaProjectManager,MSMEToolRoom&TrainingCentre,
Guwahati presented the aims, objectives and facilities of MSME Tool Room. MSME tool
room conducts skill development programmes, skill manpower, upgradates industrial
workforce and provide assistance to MSMEs in design, manufacturing and manpower
competitiveness.
ShriSahapresentedsomeofthekeysafety
signs used in India on safety of Firework
and Explosive materials. He also shared
about the safety & protective gears and
fire fighting equipments. He assured the
participantsthereisscopetodevelopand
procure semiautomated machines
developedbyMSMEongrinding&mixing
machines which MSME tool room can
support. The Design consultant also
explored opportunities with Shri Saha to
developanddesigncustomisedpaperrollingandcuttingmachinesfortheproposedCFCat
Fireworkvillage.
Inthenextsession,Mr.ShirsenduGhosh,
DesignConsultantpresentedkeyfindings
of the Need Assessment Survey to the
participants.Mr.GhoshsharedtheSWOT
Analysis and spoke on the need to
organiseBarpetaFireworkmanufacturers
into producers federation to avail
various benefits from financial
institutions, government and

technical organisations. He
emphasised the need to
develop appropriate logo and
umbrella branding, product
packaging,safetyinstructions,
productwise retail market
strategy and retail pricing,
issues related to safety,
ergonomics and health, safe
storage system of raw materials, tools and finished products etc. Mr Ghosh shared about
designclinicworkshopplanfornext4daystodevelopstandardizedproductrange,design
appropriateproductpackaging,logo,andprintedlabelstohighlightsafetyinstructionsand
productdetailsetc.
In his concluding remark Shri Dilip Kumar

Barua expressed his satisfaction on attempts
to address key issues in a holistic perspective
through the NIDMSME Design Awareness
Programme with involvement of design and
subject expert/s. He shared there is huge
potential of Barpeta firework products not
only in Assam but in India. However, the units will need to rethink of developing
standardised products, ensure compliance of safety norms, logo, branding, packaging and
product costing to cater to different market segments. Shri Barua emphasised that the
participantsshouldutilizethisopportunityandgainfromthedesigninputsfromtheevent
organisedatBarpeta.
DayTwo
Date:03August2014
10.00AM Registration
11.00AMto11.30AM Introducing the concept of standardized product range for
packaging and retail market to reduce product cost and
enhance profit margin anchored by Design Consultant
ShirsenduGhosh
11.30AMto12.30PM Presentationontheneedtodevelopalogoforumbrellabrand
and identity of traditional Barpeta fireworks by Guest expert
MsGargeeandNIDMSMEDesignConsultant.
12.30PMto1.30PM Hands on exploration to identify scope to develop
standardised product range by reducing the size of the
product
01.30PMto2.30PM Presentation by the participants in groups on concepts
developed on new product range with dimensions, size
specificationsandrawmaterialsbeforeexecutingprototypes.
02.30PMto03.30PM Presentation of logo concepts developed to workshop

participants for umbrella brand and scope to improvise by
DesignConsultantShirsenduGhosh
03.30PMto4.00PM Selection of final logo design from host of concepts for
finalisationfollowedbytea&refreshment
ActivityOne:IntroductiontoStandardisedproduct
Theparticipantswereintroducedtotheconceptofsmallerandstandardizedtraditionalfire
workproductforretailmarket.Theobjectivewastoreduceproductsize,effort,time,cost
andrawmaterials.Thenewproductsizecouldbeeasilypackagedandtransportedinbulk
forretailmarketanywhereinIndia.
Theartisansdivided themselvesinto
five groups as per their association
with respective firework
manufacturing units. Each group
selected one large size firework
product to evaluate and propose
rangeofscopetoreducethesizebut
retaining the same functionality of
the original large size firework
products.
Thefivefireworkproductsselectedbythefivegroupswere:
1. Phuljari(Flowerpots)smallandmediumsize
2. Mata(Sparklers)smallandmediumsizeinsetof10
3. LargeLetterGash(Alphabetplates)inthreevarieties(HappyDiwali,ShyamaPuja&Om)
4. LargesizeCharkhitodevelopintwovarieties(Handheldandonground)
5. LargesizeCircularSunBazitobedevelopedinsmallsize

Participants

developingproduct

concepts

The idea was not just to develop reducedsize of the original largesized products but the
artisanswereaskedtoanalyseandexploreconceptswhichcouldreducerawmaterialcost,
weight of the product, minimise effort, time and improve product finishing. All the five
groups analysed their existing large size firework products and presented concepts for
discussion.
ActivityTwo:LogoDesign
Theparticipantswereaskedtolistdownkeywordsorattributeswhichtheyexpectintheir
Barpetafireworklogo.Someofthekeywordssharedbytheparticipantswere:
1. Noveltyanddistinctiveness
2. Morethan100yearsoflegacyandtraditionalidentity
3. AssociationwithAssam
4. ReflectionofBarpetafireworkproduct
5. Simpletorepresentoneormulticolour
6. Easytorecallandassociate
7. Printable,canbeembossed,paintedinanysize
The scope of work for logo design provided by the participants was a challenge to
incorporatetheattributesinthegivenworkshoptime.Timewasamajorconstraintandthe
logohadtobedesignedandfinalisedinadaystimetobemadeonrubberstampsforthe
fiveSMEunitsandalsotobeusedinfinalpackaginglabels.
The participants were presented set of 610 logo concepts. One concept was finally
narrowed down from the three shortlisted. The final logo design represents traditional
AssameseproductHoraistandholdingtraditionalBarpetaPhuljariandtheMatarGashin
the background as a circular outline and with Barpeta Atisbazi written in an Old English
TextMTfontstyleonthetop.Thefinallogowasappreciatedbytheparticipantsandusedto
developrubberstampswithindividualnamesoffivefireworkmanufacturers.
Logoconcepts

FinalLogoDesignapprovedbytheparticipants
Rubberstampswithfinallogodesignwithnamesofindividualfireworkmanufacturersbelow
DayThree
Date:04August2014
11.00AMto01.30AM Sessiononfireworkproductdetailingandfinishinginallthe
fivecategoriespresentedbythebytheworkshopparticipants
01.30PMto2.30PM PresentationbyGuestExpertMsGargeeonconceptof
packagingdesigninretailingandfiresafetyissuesand
instructionsbySGhosh
02.30PMto04.00PM Handsonsessiononproductdetailingwithbambooframeand
paperin5groups
ActivityOne:ProductDevelopment
Phuljari
CasingofPhuljari(flowerpots)weredevelopedinpapermashietoreducetheweightofthe
product.SixsetofsmallandtwomediumsizesPhuljariwereselectedforretailmarket.The
clayPhuljariwereusedasmouldstowrapwithbrowncellotapesfirstandthenpastedwith
soakednewspaperwithfevicolasanadhesive.Theproductswerelefttodryforadayand
thencutintohalftoremovefromtheclaymoulds.
ProductfeaturesofmodifiedmediumsizePhuljari:
Phuljaricasinginpapermashiereducingtheweightby80percent
Heightoftheproduct:8inch
Widthoftheproduct:3.5inch
Totalproductioncost:Rs.210
Rawmaterial(papercasing,chemicals,papers): Rs.160
Labourcost: Rs.50
Inonedayoneartisancanmake: 20mediumPhuljari
SellingpriceofonemediumsizePhuljari:Rs.500
RetailsellingpriceoftwosetofmediumsizePhuljariwithpackaging:Rs.900
GrossProfitmarginoneachmediumPhuljari:Rs.210
Advantages:
Theproductsarenowlightinweight
Itcanbetransportedandstackedeasily
ProductfeaturesofmodifiedsmallsizePhuljari:
Phuljaricasinginpapermashiereducingtheweightby80percent
Heightoftheproduct:3inch
Widthoftheproduct:1.5inch
Rawmaterial(papercasing,chemicals,papers): Rs.14
Labourcost: Rs.2
Inonedayoneartisancanmake: 100smallPhuljari
SellingpriceofonesmallsizePhuljari:Rs.30
RetailsellingpriceofsixsetofsmallsizePhuljariwithpackaging:Rs.220
GrossProfitmarginoneachsmallPhuljari:Rs.14andonepacketofsix:Rs.84
Advantages:
Theproductsarelowerinweight
Itcanbetransportedandstackedeasilyonbulk
OriginallargeCharkhiproductfeature
Twobambooframesof28inchdiameter
Twoframesseparatedby7inchwidth
SellingpriceofoneCharkhi: Rs.1200
TotaltimetomakeonelargeCharkhi: 2hours
Disadvantage:
o Productcannotbetransportedduetoitssize
o Fireworkcannotbeusedbyaenduser
o Itisonlyperformedanddisplayedbytwostafffromtheunitwithadditionalcost
Advantage:
o Theusedbambooframeaftertheshowisrecycled

Tworeducedproduct variantsweredevelopedfrom largesizeCharkhifirstwassixsetof
groundandsixsetofhandheldCharkhi.Afoldablebamboostickisprovidedforhandheld
Charkhi. Instead of two diametric bamboo frames only one frame is used and in place of
bamboohollowcylinderstofillexplosivemixturepaperrollscasingofuniformdiameters
have been used in the modified design to reduce manual labour effort, time and raw
materials.
ProductdevelopmentprocessofPhuljari
ProductfeaturesofmodifiedgroundCharkhi:
Setof6piecesinapackage
Singlebambooframe
Insidediameter:9inch
Outsidediameterafterfixingpapercylinders:11inch
Totalproductioncost: Rs.130
Rawmaterial(bambooframe,chemicals,papers): Rs.60
Labourcost: Rs.60
Packagingmaterial&labelprinting:Rs.60
Forsetof6products:Rs.50+Rs.10
Perpiece: Rs.10
TotaltimetoproduceonegroundCharkhi: 5hours
Inonedayoneartisancanmake: 10GroundCharkhi
RetailsellingpriceofonegroundCharkhi: Rs.200
GrossProfitmarginoneachsmallgroundCharkhi: Rs.70
Retailsellingpriceof6setsofgroundCharkhi: Rs.1100
ProductfeaturesofmodifiedhandCharkhi:
Singlebambooframe
Onetwopiecefoldableandreusablebamboostick
Totalproductioncost: Rs.140
Labourcost: Rs.60
Forsetof6products:Rs.50+Rs.10)
Perpiece: Rs.10
TotaltimetoproduceonehandheldCharkhi: 5hours
Inonedayoneartisancanmake: 10handCharkhi
RetailsellingpriceofonehandCharkhi: Rs.200
GrossProfitmarginoneachsmallhandCharkhi: Rs.70
Retailsellingpriceof6setsofhandCharkhi: Rs.1100
ProductdevelopmentprocessofHandandGroundCharkhi
OriginallargeSunBaziproductfeature
Twobambooframesof42inch(3.5feet)diameter
Twoframesseparatedby11inchwidth
Durationoflighting: 2minutes
SellingpriceofoneSunBazi: Rs.2000
TotaltimetomakeonelargeSunBazi: 2.5days
OnedayGrossProfitmarginononelargeSunBazi: Rs.280
Disadvantage:
o Fireworkcannotbeusedbyaretailcustomer
o Itisonlyperformedanddisplayedbytwostafffromtheunitwithadditionalcost
Advantage:
o Theusedbambooframeaftertheshowisrecycled
ProductfeaturesofmodifiedSunBazi:
SixsetsofSunBazihavebeenmadewithafoldablebamboostick.Itwasensuredboththe
bambooframesandpapercasingwereofconsistentdiameters.
Singlebambooframe
Onetwopiecefoldableandreusablebamboostick
Outsidediameter:11inch
Labourcost: Rs.60
Forsetof6products:Rs.50+Rs.10)
Perpiece: Rs.10
TotaltimetomakeoneSunBazi: 3hours
Inonedayoneartisancanmake: 10SunBazi
RetailsellingpriceofoneSunBazi: Rs.200
GrossProfitmarginoneachsmallSunBazi: Rs.50
Retailsellingpriceof6setsofSunBazi: Rs.1100
GrossProfitmarginon6setsofSunBazi: Rs.300
Onedayprofitmarginonmakingandselling10smallSunBaziisRs.500ascomparedtoRs.
280onlargeSunBazi
ProductdevelopmentprocessofSunBazi
LetterGash
ThreevarietiesofLetterGashweredevelopedfortheretailmarket.
1. HappyDiwali
2. ShyamaPuja
3. Om
OriginallargeHappyDiwaliLetterGashproductfeature
Lengthandbreadthoforiginalproduct:11inchx09inch
Productioncost: Rs.1300
(RawmaterialRs.1000&LabourRs.300)
Sellingpriceoflargeproduct: Rs.1650
GrossProfitmargin: Rs.350
Disadvantages:
o Itcannotbeusedbyaretailcustomer
o Duetobothcostandsizetheproductdemandisless(slowmoving)
ProductfeaturesofreducedHappyDiwaliLetterGash:
ReducedsizeofHappyDiwaliLetterGashisdevelopedtoaideasytransportation.
Twofoldableframeswithlettersinapackage
Lengthandbreadthoftheproduct:26inchx6inch
Rawmaterial(bambooframe,chemicals,rope,wire): Rs.90
Labourcost: Rs.90
Packagingmaterial&labelprinting: Rs.20
Inonedayoneartisancanmake: 06pieces
Retailsellingpriceofoneproduct: Rs.250
GrossProfitmargininoneLetterGash: Rs.50
Thereforeonedayprofitmarginofmakingandselling06smallLetterGashisRs.300and
profitmargininonelargeLetterGashisRs.350whichanywaysmovesveryslowduetolack
oftransportation.
OriginallargeShyamaPujaLetterGashproductfeature
Lengthandbreadthoforiginalproduct:11inchx56inch
Productioncost: Rs.300
(RawmaterialRs.200&LabourRs.100)
Sellingpriceoflargeproduct: Rs.600
GrossProfitmargin: Rs.300
Onedayprofitmarginofmakingandselling06pieces:Rs.300
Disadvantages:
o Itcannotbeusedbyaretailcustomer
o Duetobothcostandsizetheproductdemandisless(slowmoving)
ProductfeaturesofreducedShyamaPujaLetterGash:
ReducedsizeofShyamaPujaLetterGashisdevelopedtoaideasytransportation.
Onesinglepieceinapackage
Rawmaterial(bambooframe,chemicals,thread,wire): Rs.90
Labourcost: Rs.90
Thereforeonedayprofitmarginofmakingandselling06smallLetterGashisRs.360as
comparedtoRs.300incaseoflargesizeLetterGash.
ProductfeaturesofreducedOmLetterGash:
ReducedsizeofOmLetterGashisdevelopedtoaideasytransportation.
Onesinglepieceinapackage
Rawmaterial(bambooframe,chemicals,thread,wire): Rs.30
Labourcost: Rs.30
Thereforeonedayprofitmarginofmakingandselling10smallOmLetterGashisRs.500
ProductdevelopmentprocessofLetterGash
ProductfeaturesofsmallsizeMata(sparklers)
Tensmallpiecesinapackage
Lengthoftheproduct:09inch(23cm)
Totalproductioncostof10smallMata:Rs.25
Rawmaterial(bamboo,chemicals,paper,packaging): Rs.25
Labour: Rs.5
RetailsellingpriceofonepacketofsmallMata: Rs.45
GrossProfitmargininonepacketof10smallMata:Rs.20
SellingpriceofonesmallsizeMata: Rs.2
Inonedayoneartisancanmake: 100smallMata
GrossProfitmargintomakeandsell10packets(100smallMata):Rs.200
ProductfeaturesofmediumsizeMata(sparklers)
Tensmallpiecesinapackage
Lengthoftheproduct:11.5inch(29cm)
Totalproductioncostof10smallMata:Rs.85
Rawmaterial(bamboo,chemicals,paper,packaging): Rs.60
Labour: Rs.25
Retailsellingpriceofonepacketof10mediumsizeMata: Rs.125
Returnmargininonepacketof10mediumsizeMata: Rs.40
SellingpriceofonemediumsizeMata: Rs.4
Inonedayoneartisancanmake: 100smallMata
GrossProfitmargintomakeandsell10packets(100mediumMata): Rs.400
ProductdevelopmentprocessofsmallandmediumMata(sparklers)
DayFour
Date:05August2014
11.00AMto12.30PM Finishingoffireworkproductrange
12.30Pmto01.30PM Developappropriatepackagingdesignsolutionsforfive
fireworkproductrangebasedonspecificdimensionsand
weightoffinishedproduct.
01.30PMto02.30PM Sessiononcolourcodingofproductrangeandwrappingof
productsforfireworkproductclassification.
02.30PMto04.00PM Presentationanddiscussiononsafetyinstructions,product
informationanddesignappropriategraphicsforpackaging
labelsforfinalfireworkproductrange
ActivityOne:ProductDetailing
Theparticipantsinrespectivegroupswereaskedtoworkonallthenecessarydetailingon
finishing of the final products to make them look attractive and give distinctive product
identity.Itwasensuredallthesetof2,6,or10unitpiecesareconsistentissizeandshape.
Appropriate coloured papers were selected for all the five different product range. Small
sizePhuljariwerepastedwithsilverpaperwithbluebandsontopandbottomandmedium
sizePhuljarihadgoldenpaperwithgreencolouredband.
For two different size of Mata (sparklers) to maintain uniformity the area to hold was
markeddistinctivelywithdifferentcolouredpapertoassisttheuserwhereexactlytohold
theproductcarefully.
ThebambooframesandfuseinLetterGashproductswerepaintedintwoseparatecolours.
SimilarlysetofsixsmallCharkhiandtheSunBaziweregivendistinctivevisualappealsothat
allthethreefireworkproductsdonotlooksimilartoanewenduser.
FinalFireworkproductswithdetails
ActivityTwo:PackagingDesign
Once the firework products were ready, appropriate packaging design solutions for each
product category were developed as per the firework product dimensions. Some of the
packagingcriteriaswereconsideredtodevelopfinalpackagingsolutions:
Fireworkproductscanbeencasedandenclosedsafely
Easytoopenthepacketandusethefireworkproducts
Easydispensation
Minimumwastageofthepackagingmaterial
Simpletomakefromonesheetofboard(dyecut)
Minimumtimeandefforttomake
Aidphysicaldistributionandtransportation
The fireworkproductscould beeasilystored&stackedontopofeachpacketwithout
damagingtheproductsinside.
Highdisplayvaluewhichcanactasatoolformarketing
Enhanceretailingprocessandcarryingcomfortbywholesaler,retailerorenduser
Appropriateproductinformation,manufacturerandsafetyinstructions
PackagingDesignprocess

Packagingdimension
1. MediumsizePhuljari
Length&Breadth:7.5inchx7.5inch
Height:8inch
SmallPhuljariarepackagedinsetofsixandmediumsizeinsetoftwopiecestobesold
forretailmarket.

2. SmallsizePhuljari
Height:6inch

3. GroundCharkhi
Length&Breadth:13inchx13inch
Height:5inch

4. HandCharkhi
Height:5inch

5. SunBazi
Height:5inch


6. HappyDiwaliLetterGash
Height:4inch
7. ShyamaPujaLetterGash
Height:1.5inch
8. OmLetterGash
Height:1.5inch
9. SmallsizeMata(sparklers)
Height:2cm
10. MediumsizeMata(sparklers)
Height:2cm
ActivityThree:LabelDesign
Twosetofinformationwasusedfordesigningpackaginglabelsofalltheproducts.
1. InsidesafetylabelprintedinbothEnglishandAssameseinsertedinsidethepackage:
Safetyinstructions
Methodoffiring
Howtousethefireworkproductsafely
FiresafetyandExplosivesignage.
- -
-
- ,

, -
- -
- -

,

,
,

2. Theoutergraphiclabelrepresentedthefollowing:
Imageofthefireworkproductwithatagline
Totalnumberofpieces
BarpetaFireworkLogo
Manufacturersname
Retailpriceoftheproduct
Explosivecomposition
Sound,colourorlightemittingcrackers,
Cautionindicatingthenameoftheitem
DayFive
Date:06August2014
11.00AMto01.30PM Finalise printable labels to highlight final logo, safety
instructionsandproductdetailsforretailcustomer
01.30PMto3.00PM ParticipatoryinteractionwithindividualSMEunitsonremedial
solutions as per key issues on Direct Market linkages, Web
basedEmarketingportal,CommonFacilityCentreandProduct
costingbyDesignConsultant
3.00Pmto3.30PM Preparations for final display of new firework product range,
packagingsolutions,logodesign,rubberstampsandprintable
labelswithsafetyinstructionsandproductdetails.
3.30PMto4.00PM DisplayofDesignClinicWorkshopoutcometoShriDilipKumar
Barua,GeneralManager,DICCBarpeta
4.00PM VoteofThanksbyNilufarSheikh,ProjectOfficerofNIDMSMENorth
EastRegion.GuwahatifollowedbyTea&refreshment
FinalPackagingLabels
FinalFireworkProductswithPackagingDesign

Concludingsession
The participants were awarded certificate of participation by Shri Dilip Kumar Barua,
GeneralManager,DICBarpeta.ShriBaruaassuredtheparticipantstheinitiativetakenupas
partoftheDesignClinicProgrammefortheMSMEunitswillbetakenaheadbyhisoffice.
Hedesiredneedof thehourisvalidExplosiveLicenceforthe unitswhich isamandatory.
Without valid licence it becomes difficult for the district industry office to extend various
schemes and benefits to the units. He hoped the AIIDC office will also help facilitate in
issuanceoftheExplosiveLicenceforthefiveSMEunitsinitiallyoncetheproposedBarpeta
Fireworkvillageisoperationalbythisyearend.
ShriBaruawaspleasedtolearnabouttheBarpetafireworklogodevelopedintheworkshop.
HisofficewillhelptoregisteritasBarpetafireworktrademark.Hementionedthelogowill
also help facilitate application of Geographical Indications along with patenting of the
individualfireworkproductsofBarpeta.ShriBaruahopedthedesigninputsprovidedinthe
workshopwillhelpthefireworkunitsandtheartisanstoenhancetheircapacityandretail
fireworkproductseffectively.Innearfuture,theDICCofficewillextendallpossiblesupport
fortradefacilitationandwelfareschemesandprogrammesunderstategovernment.

Shirsendu Ghosh, Design
Consultant thanked NIDMSME
and DICC Barpeta for the
opportunity to be part of Design
Clinic Workshop for Barpeta
Traditional Firework cluster and
witness the benefits of design
interventions.Heappreciatedthe
dedication, interest and
enthusiasm of all workshop
participants on all five days. He shared initially there were apprehensions if the series of
tasksandscopeofworkplanedcouldbeaccomplished.Theparticipantsasateamactively
participatedandconfrontedalloddsbyworkinglateandfinallymadeitpossibletorealize
the outcomes. Mr Ghosh hoped the Design Clinic workshop helped the participants to
realize both macro and micro design issues some could be taken up as part of this
workshop but there are larger design issues which need to be addressed separately as
professional design project. This initiative should not be the end but a beginning wherein
bothMSMEandstategovernmentshouldtakeleadtosupportthenextphaseofMSMEDCS
programme.
MsNilufarSheikhProjectOfficerofNIDMSME,NorthEastRegiongavevoteofthanksand
announced that both MSME office and the state government is keen and actively
considering to take this initiative ahead as part of phase three of MSMEDCS Professional
DesignProject.Specificcomponentsofdevelopingsemiautomatedmachines,Emarketing
portals,digitalproductcataloguingetcwillneedtobetakenupaspartofthisinitiative.She
requestedtheDesignConsultanttosubmitprojectproposaltoundertakethetaskswithina
budgetprovisionnotexceedingRs.15Lakhs.
Acknowledgment
At every stage of the Design Clinic Workshop I received unconditional support from a
wonderfulteamofpeople.
Mygratitudetoalltheartisansandsupportteamofthecluster,whoseenergy,enthusiasm
andentrepreneurialspirittolearn,madetheworkshopawonderfulexperience.
Mr Gopjit Pathak, proprietor of Barpeta Atasbazi whose active engagement helped to

interlacetheworkshoptogether.Hewasavailableforinvaluablehelpatanygiventimeof
the day to arrange rubber stamps, paper and boards, stationary, laser prints for almost
everything.
Other MSME proprietors Deepmani Pathak, Gunjit Pathak, Ramanimohan Pathak,

ModhusudanPathak,RitamaniPathakwerealsoveryhelpfulandcheerfulasafamily.
I thank Shri Dilip Kumar Barua, General Manager, District Industries & Commerce Centre,
Barpeta,Mr.TaiyuddinAhmed,ProjectManager,DICCBarpeta,Mr.HimadriDas,Extension
Officer, DICC, Mr. Barun Burman, Office Assistant, DICC Barpeta and Ms Nilufar Sheikh,
ProjectofficerNIDMSMENorthEasterRegion,Guwahatiwhoallhaveprovidedinvaluable
helpateverystep.
I thank Shri Kajal Kumar Saha, Project Manager, MSME Tool Room & Training Centre,
GuwahatiandMs.GargeeBhattacharjee,Silchar,Assamwhobothagreedtobepartofthe
workshopasguestexpertsandprovidedvaluableinputstotheparticipants.
Finally,IwouldliketothanktheDCSMSMEteamatNID,Mr.ShashankMehta,Mr.Ashok
Mondal,andMr.SudevMondalforallnecessarysupportduringtheassignment.
DesignProjectPotentialforPhaseThreeMSMEDCS
FollowingareasarethepossibilitiestobeinitiatedunderProfessionalDesignProjectMSMEs
Phase three. The project proposal will be prepared by the concerned Design Consultant
underthisscheme.
ResearchandDevelopmentIssues
The design project will need to conduct few Research and Development areas to assess
marketstrategy&trends,updatedmachines&tools,chemicalcombinations,technological
advancements, ergonomical issues, compliance of safety standards etc. Some of the
researchareaspertainingtothefireworkclusterare:
1. Studyonhealthimpactdueto workingpostureoftheworkersofdifferentagegroup
considering ergonomics of the work area and the hand tools and other components
used
2. Market research to explore retail market demand (existing and potential) and
possibilities to establish direct tieups for regular and bulk orders with potential
companies,governmentdepartments,associationsinthenortheastregion
3. Scopefortechnologicaladvancementrelatedtothechemicals
4. Testing technological upgradation in redesigning work space, processes and
equipments,etc.
5. Studying and documenting the products and production process in India and may be
Chinatoincorporatescopeforimprovements.
CompliancewithExplosiveRules,2008
There aresome key safety issues which the design project can help to ensure compliance
withExplosiverulessuchas:
1. Developsafetyprecautionslabelsinwordsandpictorialtobeprintedoneachpieceof
fireworksandalsoseparatelabelstobeinsertedinthesmallestpacketorcarton.
2. Needtostandardizeproductnorms
3. Rankproductsintermsofpyrotechniccompositionmaterialsandstandardizelengthof
fusetobeusedonproducts
4. Developstandardizedcompositionssothatfinalproductiswithintheprescribedrange
forthatparticularclassofexplosivefirecracker
5. Standardizationofthelengthoffuse
6. Classificationofproductsintermsofsoundat4metredistancefrompointofexplosion.
7. Design wall posters, labels with instruction on handling chemicals which can be
displayedonwallsoftheproductionunits
8. Categorization of tasks such that tasks require some technical understanding of
chemicalsandtheirnature
9. Colour coding of containers with specific material such that chemical to be used is
clearlyidentifiedvisually.Thesamecolourcodetobeusedacrossalltheunitssothat
parttimeworkerswho may workindifferentestablishmentsacrosstheyear andover
theyearshaveacommonreferencepoint.
10. DevelopFiresafetydrillandaFiresafetyprotocoltoorientownersandemployees.As
partofthisdrilltheteamswillneedorientationtohandleemergencies,establishaclear
line of action including escape route, water arrangement. Phone numbers to inform
PoliceandFireStationtobedisplayedonpremiseprominently,
GeographicalIndications(GI)forBarpetaTraditionalFireworkproducts
Geographical Indications (GI) identifies goods possessing characteristics which are
essentially attributable to that geographical origin. The project could help facilitate
registrationofGIofBarpetafireworkasadistinctproductwithdistinctfeaturesandidentity
sincetheproductrangehasbeenmanufacturedinthatlocationformorethan100years.
Some of the key distinctive product features such as use of bamboo, use of baked clay
containers,traditionalhandmadeproducts,sizesneedstobeidentifiedforGIregistration.
Multiple applications may be needed for different Barpeta product categories with
distinctivefeatures.TheGIapplicationneedstobeassessedinassociationwithController
General of Patents Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) under Ministry of Commerce and
IndustrywhichhandlesGIandwouldgivetheGIregistrationstoBarpetafirework.
PatentingofBarpetaTraditionalFireworkproducts
The design project can help patenting firework product designs which are produced a
particularaudibleandvisualeffectusingthenativematerialstraditionallyusedinBarpeta
fireworks.SomeofthekeyproductdesignssuchasPhuljari,Charkhi,MatarGash,Fanoosh,
SunBazi,LetterGashetcneedtobepatentedasindividualproducts.Thismaypreventmore
resourcerichpartiesenteringmanufacturinginBarpetainresponsetogreaterpublicityto
BarpetaAtosbaji.
Digitalproductcatalogue,brandbuildingandCapitalisingonWebbasedEMarketing
Portal
EspeciallyafterGIisreceived,itwillbeusefultodevelopdigitalfireworkproductcatalogue
andwebbasedEmarketingportalsforthefireworkclustertohelpleveragenationalmarket
and generate wider demand and better returns. The project can develop efforts to build
Barpeta traditional firework as a brand which stands for quality standards and
craftsmanshipapartfromexploringnewretailmarketsthroughitsownmarketingportalor
through display on Ebay/Rediff/homeshop or similar platforms. The units also need web
presencetocounteranypossibleonslaughtfromothermanufacturers.
DesignofHandtoolsandsemiautomatedmachines
Thehandtoolsdonotsupportefficiencyandthereisscopefortechnologyupgradationin
toolsandsemiautomatedmachines.Fewmachinesneedstobedesignedandcustomised
withtechnologicalsupportofMSMEToolRoomandIITGuwahatiorNIDAhmedabadsuch
as paper rolling and cutting machine on different diameters and lengths, bamboo cutting
andsplittingtools,mixer,grinders,labellingandpackagingprocessetc.Threedesignproject
briefsneedtobedevelopedfor:
Paperrollingandcuttingmachineofdifferentdiameterandlength
Papercasingballsofdifferentdiameters
Explore use of Rammie fibre wastage (grown in the region) with paper mashie for
Phuljarcasings.
Dr A. K. Sharma, Scientist inCharge, Rammie Research Station, under CRIJAF

(www.crijaf.org),Sarbhog,Barpeta781317,Assamcanbecontactedfortechnicalsupport.
StudyonErgonomics,SafetyandHealthIssues
Thebodypostureandhealthissuesoftheartisansdonotsupportefficiency.Someofthe
commonhealthailmentssharedbytheworkerswereeyesirritation,respiratoryproblems
duetoinhalingchemicaldusts/fumes,back,leg,neckandshoulderache,gastricproblems
etc.Ahealthresearchneedstobeconductedtostudythehealthstatusmoreindetail.
DevelopingTrainingandOrientationmodules
Thereisscopeoftrainingandorientationwhichneedstobeaugmented:
1. Health,Ergonomics,EnergysavingsandenvironmentalIssues
2. Safetysafehandlingandstorageofchemicals,firehazardanditsmitigation
3. HandlingofToolsandEquipments
4. Technologicaladvancementrelatedtothechemicals
5. MaterialmanagementStorage,Labelling,Pricing,Inventorymanagementetc
6. Packagingoffinishedgoods
7. Computer literacy Few individuals from the units to integrate computers in
communication with prospective clients; storing a digital catalogue of their work to
enableanalysis.
8. Understanding Geographical Indications (GI), the history of GI registration, scope for
different GI registrations, capitalising on GI in direct sales, process for objecting to
usurpationofthetermbyotherartistslocatedelsewhere.
9. Understanding institutional forms like Mutually Aided Cooperatives, Producer
companies
Panelofguestexpertsintheworkshop
1. ShriDilipKumarBarua
GeneralManager
DistrictIndustries&CommerceCentre
Barpeta,Assam781301
Tel:09435140042,Email:dkbjdn@yahoo.co.in
2. ShriKajalKumarSaha
ProjectManager
MSMEToolRoom&TrainingCentre
AmingaonIndustrialArea,Amingaon,Guwahati781031
Tel:03612680907,09864058962,
Email:trtcghy@hotmail.com,trtcplacement@hotmail.com
3. Ms.GargeeBhattacharjee
Houseno:28,Ambikapatty,Silchar,
Cachar,Assam,Pin:788004
Tel:09401704060,09811767274(NewDelhi)
Email:gargeeonline@gmail.com
4. ShriShirsenduGhosh,DesignConsultant&WorkshopAnchor
Shirsendu Ghosh is a Designer by profession. After studying at NID Ahmedabad he has been
workingextensivelyinthesocialsectoracrossdifferentstatesofIndiasince1991.

A former faculty member at NID and was Dean at Indian Institute of Craft Design, Jaipur. He
continueshisassociationwithacademicinstitutesinIndiaasGuestlecturerandVisitingfaculty.
Shirsendu Ghosh has been involved in design and development projects with various
developmental organizations as senior consultant. He has previously assisted UN and multi
lateral agencies in Rajasthan, Gujarat,Bihar and Delhi andworkedonvarious World Bank and
DFID(UK)fundedprojectsbeingimplementedincollaborationwithstategovernmentamongst
others.ShirsenduwasassociatedfulltimewithFederationofIndianChambersofCommerceand
IndustriesCAREs Gujarat Earthquake Rehabilitation Project in Bhuj centred on enabling craft
basedlivelihoodprogram.

He has been professionally associated with Unicef RajasthanGujarat & Bihar on task based
assignments,WHOcollaboratingwithIITDelhi,DelhiPolice,UNFPAJaipur,ADITHIPatna,AIIMS
UNESCODelhi,RTDCRajasthan,PRAXISDelhi&Patna,FICCICAREGujaratRehabilitationProject
Bhuj,TNAIDelhi,DistrictPovertyInitiativesProjectAndhraPradesh(DPIPAP,Velugu),National
Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, Jaipur, Bihar Technical
Assistance and Support Team (BTAST) DFID UK Aid supported SWASTH Health reform
programme, Integrated Family Health Initiative (IFHI), funded by Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation) Programme, BRLP JEEViKA, Actionaid Patna, Access Development Services Delhi,
NewConcepts,Delhi,WASHInstitute,TradecraftExchangeetc

Shirsendu founded Fourth Dimension consortium in 2011 which is devoted to design,
development and management services revolving around supporting development effort of
NGOs,governmententities,organisations,institutesworkingespeciallywomenandchildren.

ListofWorkshopParticipants
AssamFireworkIndustries
1. DeepmaniPathak,ProprietorCell:09954797018,03665235750
2. DimpleSutradhar
3. ArupDas
4. GaneshDas
5. ChinmoyDas
6. LokaDas
7. MrityunjaySutradhar
8. RitamaniPathakProprietorCell:09577388275
9. MariamiPathakProprietorCell:09954172186
10. SatishNath
11. HimanshuDas
12. DevanandNath
13. PranjalDas
LaxmiFireWorks
14. NaliniPathakProprietorCell:09954322321,03665236276
15. AchintaPathakProprietorCell:09435024849
16. NilkantDas
17. KunakanPathak
18. BarbelDas
19. AjitDas
20. HarideoPathak
ManaranjanFireWorks
21. HimanshuPathakProprietorCell:09707805695
22. RamanimohanPathakProprietorCell:09957494329
23. ModhusudanPathak

BarpetaAtisbazi
24. GopjitPathak,ProprietorCell:09954888882,08811899880
25. MoonDas
26. BipulDas
27. PadmalasanDas
28. PinkuDas
29. NarayanDas
30. AbhinashOjha
31. BuljitDas
LinkagesestablishedforBarpetaFireworkcluster
1. ForexploringRamiefibrewastagetobeusedforPhuljaricasing.
Dr.A.K.Sharma
ScientistInCharge
RamieResearchStation
Sarbhog,Barpeta781317,Assam
Email:amit78sharma@rediffmail.com
Cell:09678622622
Url:www.crijaf.org.in
2. Forwholesalepaperboardprocurementforpackagingoffireworkproducts.
GuwahatiStationaryStore
BulbulMarket,FancyBazar
SRCBRoad,Guwahati781001
Cell:09859229063,03612634027

Final Barpeta NASand WSReport 30 July

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TraditionalFireworksofBarpeta

DesignClinicSchemeforDesignExpertisetoMSMEs,auniqueand ambitiousdesign intervention

Assamis a state ofIndiain thenorth

Assam can be broadly divided into three

With the advent of the Ahoms, the

With the rest of India, Assam also played an

Barpeta is located at26.32N 91.0E. It has an average elevation of 35metres (114feet)

Description 2011 2001

ActualPopulation 1,693,622 1,394,755

Barpeta is also famous for the various temples in the

Combinations in different proportions of the above materials different product range of

7. Oncethedaystaskisover everything 5. Afterdayswork,theworksite

Registration No. 05/10/03/01/00705 issued on 02 July 1988 from Guwahati under

SathishNath NabajitDas JayantaNath DevanandNath

1 Black&Whiteflame 1000 1000

13. Transportation of the finished products is a major problem since it cannot be

checkposts even if presenting work 5. Allsafetymeasureswillneedto

Registration/Licence no. 348 (K) 79 issued in 1979 by Deputy Commissioner of then

BabelDas NeelkantaDas PunakantaPathak AjitDas

3 SotowalBazi(Cherkhy) 100 Rs. 1500

RamanimohanPathak MadhusudanPathak HimanshuPathak

MoonDas BipulDas PadmalasanDas

2 Special2Phuljari 400 1200 700

9 Charcoal(localmarket) Barpeta Rs. 25Kg 700Kg

Sl Topic Observation PossibleDesignsolutions

(5%)Retail (80%)Wholesale (10%)Government

7. Computer literacy Few individuals from the units to integrate computers in

It is also important to examine who is the applicant of the GI registration of Barpeta

institutions, government and

In his concluding remark Shri Dilip Kumar

02.30PMto03.30PM Presentation of logo concepts developed to workshop

Mr Gopjit Pathak, proprietor of Barpeta Atasbazi whose active engagement helped to

Other MSME proprietors Deepmani Pathak, Gunjit Pathak, Ramanimohan Pathak,

Dr A. K. Sharma, Scientist inCharge, Rammie Research Station, under CRIJAF

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