Even as they usher in the Republic Day in tricolour, their meagre earnings leave them disappointed.

The pay: Rs 10 for a 1,000 replicas.

Ramila Maali (35) says, “I have grown up making flag replicas every year. But the work is just for two months.”

She adds, “I earn around Rs 105 daily, which is sufficient for three square meals a day.”

Minakshi Chauhan (18) opted for the profession due to financial difficulties.

Matriculate Chauhan says, “My father earns just Rs 3,000 working at Vihar Cinema’s booking counter.”

“Nobody makes use of our talent after the Republic Day is over. Also, we don’t have enough supply of raw materials to continue the work afterwards” says Minakshi.

She added, “ We can form Self Help Groups (SHG) but no government official has attended to our demands.”