Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 30: Mentioning the significance of handicrafts in the state’s economy, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said that natural beauty and artisans’ magical skills have mesmerized the world since ages.
“However, the damage caused to the state’s natural wealth, water bodies and environment as also downward dip in the manufacturing of world class quality handicrafts have badly impacted both these sectors during the recent past”, he said, adding that much focus is required to restore the glory of this heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a Dastkaar Mela organized by J&K Bank in collaboration with Handicrafts Department at Badamwari near here, the Chief Minister said that right from day first his Government paid focused attention on reviving the world famous handicrafts by addressing the difficulties of artisans and helping their organization and sustained growth and development.
“My Government took various new initiatives to encourage youth to find their careers in the high potential handicrafts sector”, he said and added that his Government obtained Geographical Indicators (Patent) for six handicrafts of Pashmina, Kani Shawl, Papier-machie, Walnut Wood Carving, Crewel Chain Stitch Embroidery and Khatamband. He said this has given new dimension to the production of these handicrafts in the state and catapulted its marketability across the world.
The Chief Minister said that the initiatives of his Government to provide Artisans Credit Cards to the artisans of the state on the analogy of Kissan Credit Cards would give immunity to the artisans of getting exploited by the middlemen and money lenders. “Now they are no more required to get finance from the middlemen and agents for manufacturing of their products, they can use the credit card facility for this purpose”, he said adding that Jammu and Kashmir Bank has provided special window in this regard.
Omar Abdullah also referred to the help provided by the Craft Development Institute and Carpet Technology Institute to the artisans for the growth and development of handicrafts. While underlining the importance of preserving the heritage and age old handicrafts designs, he said that new designs with heritage bearing should be introduced and products of day to day use manufactured to attract the present day consumer towards these items.
The Chief Minister said that as per a survey report more than 3.75 lakh families are reported to be directly and indirectly involved in the handicrafts sector for earning their livelihood. “This is a big chunk of population and requires equal attention in the development policy of the state. We have underlined this aspect fully and measures have been taken to ameliorate the lot of people associated with handicrafts”, he said and mentioned the establishment of Handicrafts Clusters in various areas of Srinagar Downtown to develop direct liaison of the handicraft manufacturer with the tourists and those interested in buying handicrafts for trade purposes.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected various stalls installed by various artisans to showcase their products. The stalls exhibited handicraft items of some 20 handicrafts of the Valley including carpets, shawls, paper-machie, chain stitch crewel, etc.
The Chief Minister also handed over awards to the budding entrepreneurs who have launched their ventures under SKEWPY and achieved turnover between Rs 50 lakhs to over Rs 1 crore during one year of their functioning. He also gave Artisans Credit Cards to various beneficiaries on the occasion.
The Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar and Chairman J&K Bank also spoke on the occasion.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
