Research on 'fritter industry'? Kolkata prof says if chaiwala can be PM then why not

Mamata Banerjee was once mocked for her 'chop shilpo' or fritter industry suggestion to tackle unemployment. The topic has now found its place in a research paper.

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee once spoke about a man who changed his fate by selling fritters -- also called 'chop' in Bangla. While suggesting ways to tackle unemployment, she had said that even making fritters could be turned into an industry. Similarly, PM Modi made a similar remark when he said making 'pakodas' is also a form of employment. Mamata and Modi were ridiculed by the Opposition and the public, however, the subject has now found a place in a research paper.

Assistant Professor with Raiganj University, Tapas Pal, and his student Kana Sarkar have come up with a research paper on the 'fritter industry'. Pal said if nurtured well, it has the potential to turn into a profitable business for the state.

Pal, who appeared to be a bit disturbed with a few people mocking his 'chop shilpo' research on social media, said, "All businesses should flourish and be respected in a country with a chaiwala as the Prime Minister."

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"If KFC can be a part of the food industry, why is it not a part of the food industry when my rural brothers and sisters make fritters," he asked.

When asked if his research was inspired by Mamata Banerjee, he said, "Mamata is secondary, I have always been interested in social issues and have researched on cobblers, rickshawallas, toto-wallas and various tribal communities in the past."

Based on a survey of 23 families across three panchayat areas in Bengal's Malda district, Pal found that on average the fritter shops generate a monthly income of approximately Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000.