Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 15: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) in collaboration with HDFC Bank organized an awareness program on Kashmir Handicrafts here today.
A KCC&I spokesman said that Shantamanu, Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles was the chief guest and Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah was the guest of honour at the event.
He said various exporters, traders, artisans who were present at the event asked questions to the officers which were answered to the satisfaction of all.
The spokesman said that Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, President, KCC&I put forth proposals for the market access schemes be extended to KCC&I and demanded Raw material Bank for silk be enhanced.
He said Shantamanu while assuring all help and support to the artisans and exporters of J&K said that the session will look into the matters and will expedite from his end.
The spokesman said that DC Srinagar while speaking on the event announced that 20 Kanals of land has been identified for Handicraft village and the land was developed also for the tourist attraction.
He said Zubair Iqbal, Sr. Vice President, HDFC Bank said that the HDFC Bank has already given 250 Crore loans to MSME and handicraft Sector in J&K and Jt. Director Industries while speaking on the occasion said that the Government have been approached for the sanctioning of registration of Handicrafts sector under MSME and approval is expected soon.
He further said that Mushtaq Ahmad of Handicraft Department highlighted awareness about the schemes available with the Handicraft Department.