Jammu, Nov 11: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar on Saturday stressed upon the management of J&K Handicrafts (S&E) Corporation (JKHC) and J&K Handloom Development Corporation (JKHDC) to chalk out a comprehensive marketing strategy for handicraft, handloom and other handmade traditional craft items of J&K so that these items could be marketed in a very effective manner. He also asked the officers to examine the sales and marketing strategies of the corporations and suggested them not to promote or sell any product that is not manufactured in J&K.
Chairing the joint Board of Directors (BoDs) meeting of both corporations at the Civil Secretariat here, the Advisor called upon the officers of both corporations to optimally use the available resources of their entities for effective revenue generation. He impressed upon the management to coordinate with different stakeholders and departments for the opening of new showrooms at famous tourist places like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Gulmarg and other famous places so that the visitors’ footfall is encashed for enhancing the benefits to local artisans and craftsmen by providing them higher sales through the corporation.
During the meeting, the BoDs held an extensive assessment aimed at evaluating the progress made by these corporations in promoting and preserving the rich heritage of handicrafts and handloom in the region. The physical and financial aspects of the corporations were also evaluated during the meeting. The board also reviewed the progress and performance of the showrooms of the Corporation.
Bhatnagar directed them to rationalise shop presence at other locations and explore various other non-conventional marketing methods. He advised the management to engage and utilise the services of IT professionals to enhance turnover and better inventory management.
The Advisor also advised them to create software for feedback links for customers so that necessary steps are taken accordingly. He appreciated the corporations for contributing to the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir through the revival and promotion of traditional crafts.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Vikramjit Singh; Director Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah; Director Handicrafts & Handloom Jammu, Vikas Gupta; Special Secretary, Planning, Development & Monitoring Department, K.S. Chib; Managing Director JKHHC and other senior officers of both these Corporations in person and through video conferencing.
During the meeting, the Managing Director JKHHC gave a detailed presentation on the performance and functioning of both these corporations.
