J-K govt to develop database of weavers

Jammu and Kashmir Handloom Department will soon develop a database of weavers for prompt and effective implementation of schemes meant for promoting the sector.
Director Handloom Department Rajesh Sharma, chairing a meeting yesterday, asked senior functionaries of the department to immediately start the process to generate comprehensive database in this regard.
"This will ensure adequate and timely assistance under various state and the centrally-sponsored schemes," Sharma said.
Sharma also asked the officers to come up with innovative ideas to promote handloom sector in the state. "This industry has a tremendous potential which can be optimally tapped with a well-conceived plan and dedicated efforts".

He asked the officers to adopt pro-active approach to ensure that optimum benefit of welfare schemes reach to the weavers, adding, the focus should be on resolving all urgent issues of those associated with the trade.
He also asked for providing credit card and micro credit cards to weavers at the earliest.

The director stressed that local artisans should be identified and encouraged so that traditional art is promoted and becomes economically viable employment avenue. He asked for rejuvenating the training centres for better skill development of the weavers.
Sharma reviewed the achievements and progress made by the department under various schemes and welfare programmes like Integrated Handloom Development Scheme, Weavers Credit Card Scheme, Marketing and Export Promotion Scheme.

He said the handloom sector is a major contributor in employment generation in rural areas and every effort should be made to implement the centrally-sponsored schemes for the socio-economic uplift of the rural masses.
The director also emphasised on focussing on marketing of the products, so that weavers get better returns.