Cluster approach key to promotion of traditional craft: Mufti

To boost traditional handmade and artisanal products for its inclusive growth, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today sought Centre's support in fostering entrepreneurial cooperation by promoting cluster initiative.
Describing Khadi and village industries as a vibrant sector of rural economy, Mufti stressed upon a comprehensive cluster approach to overcome the challenge posed by imported products available in the market.
He also called for complete focus on traditional craft are women-centric such as shawl embroidery, chain stitch, sozni and crewel work.
The Chief Minister said these in a meeting with state Industries and Commerce Minister, Chander Parkash Ganga and visiting Chairman of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (K&VIC), Vinai Kumar here, this morning. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B B Vyas, was also present.

"An institutional mechanism has to be worked out so that our artisans benefit from K&VIC's prepare and procure policy, particularly in papier machie, wood work, Basohli paintings and Kishtwari blanket-making," Mufti said.
The Chief Minister called for soft interventions through cluster methodology to ensure that artisans have proximity to raw material and they are able to overcome the hurdles in marketing for handicraft products.

Two heritage clusters, one each in Srinagar and Jammu, would be set up under SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries), K&VIC Chairman Kumar said.
He also offered skill-based training to artisans so that they are acquainted with new designs which can be blended with traditional designs depicting local flavours.

SFURTI has inbuilt provision for soft interventions including skill training, capacity building and design development. To provide marketing support to Khadi and village industries, K&VIC is establishing 20 Khadi Gram Udyog Bhawans out of which two are being envisaged for Jammu and Kashmir.
On including transport component under SFURTI to promote the state's tourism industry, Kumar said, once a proposal is received, it will be accorded positive consideration by exploring the possibility of carving out special dispensation as it is not included in the scheme.
"We also plan to organise a national-level exhibition for the first time in the state next year," he said.

Kumar also apprised the Chief Minister about their plan to set up a Multi-Disciplinary Centre-cum-Showroom to promote traditional industries at Pampore in South Kashmir.