Chennai: The Election Commission’s move to ban use of plastic materials will affect livelihood of over five lakhs engaged in digital flex banner printing in the state.
“The profession is being destroyed by none other than politicians who are associated with its development”, said M.S. Bhasir Ahamed, a pioneer in flex printing business in the state.
About two decades ago, printing one sq ft of flex banner cost Rs 680 and this has taken a nosedive to Rs 9 now. Digital banners and vinyl boards became an important tool for advertisement of politicians, Kollywood, merchants and several products.
Over 15,000 entrepreneurs are engaged in the business. Five lakh workers, including graduates, are directly and indirectly employed in the sector. Their livelihood will be at stake, said M. Suresh, president, Tamil Nadu Digital Printing Association.
‘Traffic’ Ramasamy, a social activist, said, “Long festoons with party flags tied along the roadside pose trouble to people especially those travelling in two-wheelers. These festoons cause accidents to vehicle users and pedestrians. The court should also ban digital banners and vinyl boards.
