A two-day national seminar on Traditional Occupation Communities in a Changing Economy: Challenges of Social Inclusion and Inclusive Development began at Andhra University on Thursday, with speakers calling for stronger policy support to safeguard traditional livelihoods.

The seminar, organised by the Centre for Study of Social Inclusion (CSSI), was inaugurated by Arts and Commerce College Principal Jaladi Ravi, who said mechanisation, factory-made products and irregular incomes had placed traditional occupational communities under severe economic stress despite various welfare measures.

Delivering the keynote address, VIT-AP School of Law Dean Benarji Chakka said nearly 30% of artisans had been pushed out of their traditional occupations owing to changing market conditions. He said inadequate market access and dependence on middlemen had reduced artisans’ earnings, while social discrimination continued to affect many communities. Governments, he said, had a crucial role in preserving traditional occupations.

CSSI Director P. Subba Rao highlighted the contribution of traditional occupational communities to India’s economy, culture and social development. Assistant Commissioner of Customs and GST G.V.V.S.V.L. Narasimha Rao spoke on the importance of occupational freedom and dignified livelihoods, while K.R. Rama Mohan of the Central University of Sikkim discussed constitutional safeguards and the empowerment of traditional communities. Around 120 delegates from across the country attended the inaugural session.