Over 4.46 lakh artisans, weavers registered in J&K
-
By Younus Rashid
- Comments 0
- 03 Apr 2026
*Rs 17,145 crore disbursed under Credit Card Scheme *No loan waiver for artisans, weavers *Rs 1,520.74 lakh sales at national trade fairs in FY 2025-26
Srinagar, Apr 02: The Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the Legislative Assembly that 4.46 lakh artisans and weavers are registered with the Department, and 13,793 cases have been sanctioned under the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, with an amount of ₹17,145.36 lakh disbursed from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Under the PM Weavers Mudra Scheme, 3,305 cases were sanctioned with ₹2,811.76 lakh disbursed during the same period.
The reply came in response to a Starred Assembly Question tabled by MLA Tanvir Sadiq, seeking information on artisans engaged in shawl weaving, papier-mâché, carpet weaving, and other traditional handicrafts who have availed loans and are unable to liquidate them, steps taken to address repeated crises including the 2014 floods and COVID-19 pandemic, assessment of loan distress, and whether loan waivers or one-time settlements have been extended.
The department stated that artisans and weavers are servicing their installments according to repayment schedules, with only 156 cases reported as Non-Performing Assets by banks, suggesting low incidence of loan distress.
On the impact of repeated crises, the department said the Wool Processing, Handloom and Handicrafts Policy was notified in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, outlining a roadmap for skill upgradation, market linkages, design innovation, infrastructure development, and financial incentives. Under this policy, initiatives launched include the Credit Card Scheme, Financial Support Scheme for Cooperatives and SHGs, Karkhandar Scheme, Mudra Scheme for Weavers, and Education Allowance Scheme for children of artisans and weavers. The government also initiated the World Bank-aided Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project, under which JKI was made the Project Implementation Unit to support craft clusters in Kashmir division.
On marketing support, the department said it provides structured support through exhibitions, expos, craft bazaars, and buyer-seller meets. During FY 2024-25, the department participated in 11 national trade fair events with 310 exhibitors, generating total sales of ₹793.23 lakh and 9,710 leads. During FY 2025-26, six events were participated in with 241 exhibitors, generating total sales of ₹1,520.74 lakh and 3,407 leads. Additionally, 15 Export Awareness cum E-Commerce Onboarding Drives were conducted, benefiting 1,400 artisans, SHGs, FPOs, and cooperatives.
The department also stated that no loan waiver or write-off has been extended specifically to artisans and weavers.
Related Posts
-
J&K’s Ranji win proud moment: PM Modi
-
Jammu Marathon symbolises J&K’s transformation: LG Sinha
-
Physical fitness integral to societal progress: CM Omar
-
J&K dairy grows 15%, but 7.4% samples fail safety tests
-
Kashmir’s rooftops power new energy dawn
-
Payroll Without Purpose
-
Self-styled journalists misusing platform, MLA Uri in assembly
-
Omar Abdullah urges ceasefire, calls on PM Modi to mediate Iran crisis
-
LG Sinha suspends Anantnag ADC, reassigns officer to Div Com Kashmir
-
LG, CM greet people on Mahavir Jayanti
-
J&K Govt orders transfers, postings
-
Govt to review District Planning Boards framework
-
150th Anniversary Closing Ceremony : Vande Mataram our identity, strength & vow: LG Sinha
-
Mission YUVA should become national benchmark: CM
-
LG assents to three Bills passed by LA
Leave a comment