Srinagar, Mar 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has launched a series of transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of rural artisans and boosting the region’s handicraft sector. These initiatives, part of several centrally sponsored handloom and handicrafts development programs, are designed to provide financial assistance, technical support, and employment opportunities across the Union Territory.
In response to a question raised by MLA Mir Saifuddin in the Legislative Assembly, the government detailed multiple initiatives aimed at empowering artisans and weavers across J&K. These include a number of schemes like the Weavers Mudra Scheme, under which 6,718 cases have been sponsored, 3,037 cases have been sanctioned, and 2,171 cases have been disbursed with a total amount of Rs 2,536.85 crore.
The government also informed the Assembly about the establishment of key infrastructure projects, such as the Craft Development Institute and the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology in Srinagar. In addition, a Rs 5 crore grant has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India (GoI), for setting up a Wool Processing Common Facility Center in Srinagar, with a proposal for a Pashmina Dehairing Centre worth Rs 5.50 crore to further modernize wool processing techniques and improve product quality.
Further, under the National Handicrafts Development Programme, 12 new proposals worth Rs 52 crore have been submitted to the Ministry of Textiles. These proposals focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving quality standards, and providing a boost to artisan products. Among these initiatives, the government has also proposed a Craft Village in Akad Anantnag and the establishment of the Indian Institute of Textiles and Handlooms at Basohli, Kathua.
Other measures include the Cluster Development Programme, which aims to establish craft clusters under centrally sponsored schemes, and a proposal for a Bamboo Cluster in Samba, with an estimated cost of Rs 4.30 crore.
In response to a query about steps to promote local handicrafts and traditional skills for rural economic growth and employment, the government highlighted the Wool Processing Handloom and Handicrafts Policy 2020. This policy envisions the socio-economic upliftment of craftsmen, wool farmers, artisans, and weavers through government support, providing easy access to working capital and domestic and international market linkages.
Several schemes have been introduced under this policy, including the Training and Capacity Building of Artisans and Weavers, Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers 2020, Export Subsidy Scheme 2021, Financial Support Scheme for Cooperatives, and the Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme.
The government has also focused on promoting local handicrafts through exhibitions, awareness campaigns, and e-commerce platforms. These initiatives help artisans, SHGs, women entrepreneurs, and MSMEs access digital marketing avenues and expand their market reach. In addition, several Marketing and Promotion Campaigns have been launched, along with Craft Certification programs to enhance the recognition and credibility of J&K’s products.
