District Collector Amol Yedge has made a public appeal for calm and patience regarding the recent high-profile memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the global luxury brand Prada and the leather development corporations of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The deal, which has sparked both hope and anxiety, is centered on taking the iconic Kolhapuri chappal to the international market.
Stakeholders Seek Clarity on Global Partnership
On Friday, a significant delegation representing the local artisan community met with Collector Yedge to voice their concerns. The group included members from the Kolhapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the Kolhapur District Footwears Association, the Charmakar Mahasangh, and the artisans themselves. They submitted a formal petition demanding full transparency and the detailed contents of the MoU, which reportedly involves the sale of nearly 2,000 pairs of Kolhapuri chappals through Prada's exclusive outlets and its e-commerce platform.
This meeting follows earlier controversy where Prada faced criticism for showcasing the traditional footwear in Milan without crediting its origin from Kolhapur. In response to the row, a Prada delegation visited Kolhapur to engage directly with artisans, studying the intricate crafting process and the raw materials used.
Artisan Community Voices Apprehensions
Speaking on behalf of the artisans, chappal maker Bhupal Shete articulated the core concern: ensuring the deal genuinely benefits the true custodians of the craft. "We have sought the details of the agreement signed with Prada," Shete stated. "We want the deal to actually benefit the artisans from Kolhapur, who are the genuine stakeholders and claimants, as they have preserved the tradition for generations."
Shete further expressed skepticism about the involvement of the Maharashtra Leather Industries Development Corporation (Lidcom), citing concerns over its "improper affairs" and the potential for the deal to bypass the very artisans it is meant to uplift.
Collector's Assurance and Vision for Global Stage
In his address, Collector Amol Yedge positioned the MoU as a transformative opportunity. He emphasized that Kolhapuri chappals are an integral part of Kolhapur's identity and that this partnership is designed to elevate the leather art onto the global platform. "Earlier, the footwear was known within India; now it is set to go global," Yedge explained.
He outlined the anticipated benefits for the local craftspeople, which include specialized training, increased employment opportunities, and direct access to the international market. Acknowledging the current apprehensions, Yedge urged stakeholders to avoid spreading misconceptions and promised that the advantages of the collaboration would become evident within two to four months.
To address the information gap and foster trust, the collector announced plans to soon convene a meeting with all involved parties to provide comprehensive details about the agreement. The Friday meeting was also attended by prominent local leaders including Sanjay Shete, Shivajirao Powar, Rajan Satpute, and Dipak Khandekar.
