25th December 2016

- The Times of India

Demonetisation a double whammy for Sivakasi cracker units

Its been about 20 days since Diwali celebrations got over, but Sivakasis cracker industry - the fireworks hub of the country - is yet to resume full-fledged production. If it was the freaky weather which played spoilsport first, it is demonetisation that is wreaking havoc now.

Working at a feverish pace before Diwali, the industry usually takes a week-long break. The production resumes once the northeast monsoon ends, usually around this time, but most fireworks units are yet to get back to work. While mist, haze and delayed monsoon ensured that the labour-intensive sector remained indoors, demonetisation of high-value currency notes has hit business hard.