Handicrafts and artisans economic strength of J&K: CM

Jammu and Kashmir derives its economic strength from handicrafts in a big way, chief minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday, and stressed on the need for a blend of modern trends with traditional craft.

Such an amalgamation will help the hill state showcase its artistic skills before the world and attract the global market, he said after inaugurating a 15-day craft mela at Kashmir Haat here.

Abdullah emphasised the need for preserving the age-old arts and crafts of the state, saying J&K drew its economic strength from its development of handicrafts and progress of the artisans. “When young and educated youth would incorporate their inventing and pioneering talent and ability in the traditional handicrafts manufacturing sector, a new chapter of master craftsmanship will be written, with a lot of promise and economic affluence,” he said and asked the State Handicrafts Department to redouble its efforts to restore the glory of the sector by ensuring substantial remuneration for artisans.

The mela, at which artisans from the state and all over India are participating, has been organised by the Dastkari Simiti. Some 70 stalls showcasing different handicrafts from within the state and outside have been set up.

The CM also stressed on proper utilisation of Kashmir Haat for the promotion of handicrafts and to provide opportunities to artisans to sell their handicraft items directly, eliminating middlemen who take the lion’s share of their hard work. The Handicrafts Department, he said, must organise regular activities in the Haat, with mega handicrafts melas once or twice in a year.

Abdullah also underlined the need for a symbiotic relationship between the state’s artisans and the rest of the country. “During the pleasant summers, you can invite your counterparts from the rest of the country and ask them to earn with you here. They can reciprocate it by inviting you to their states during winter months for business,” he said.

Stressing the need for maintaining the quality of products, Omar said some elements were tarnishing the image of the world-famous Kashmir handicrafts industry by indulging in unscrupulous practices. “While the government would keep constant vigil on their activities, you too have the responsibility to report such elements for severe actions,” he said, highlighting the need for transparency and honesty in the trade.

The Chief Minister also called for a strategy to draw tourists visiting Kashmir to Kashmir Haat by creating new attractions and facilities there. “This year, some 12 lakh visitors and yatris have visited Kashmir so far. If we had been able to attract 10 per cent of these to Kashmir Haat, we could have generated handsome business for our artisans,” he said, directing the Handicrafts Department to focus its energies on this issue.

State Minister for Industries S S Slathia spelt out the measures the government has taken to promote the Kashmir handicrafts sector and ensure the welfare of its artisans. The government has increased the stipend of artisans in government craft centres, he said. The reward amount given to outstanding artisans has been raised from Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000. The loan facility available to handicrafts units has also been raised doubled to Rs 1 lakh.