Jammu & Kashmir witnessed handicraft items export worth 669 crore in 2014-15 and a subsidy of Rs 2.50 crore was provided to artisans, Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash Ganga said today.
He said the BJP-PDP coalition government is working on a well-knit strategy to project J&K's image as a reliable supplier of high-quality handicrafts as per international standards and specifications to make the state a hub of world famous craft products.
While reviewing working of Handicraft Department and Corporation here today, the Minister said the government would seek professional advice in technology upgradation, quality and design improvement, standards and specifications, product development and latest innovations.
"The focus would be on skill development and expertise enhancement among the artisans in potential areas through reputed training institutes to meet market trends," he maintained.
Besides, exploitation of artisans by the middleman would be weeded out, he said.
Ganga stressed the need for extending advanced training to unemployed youth with emphasis on kandi and border areas in view of vast potential of various traditional crafts like calico printing, jute, bamboo and chikri wood products.
"Although it is a stupendous task to bring the existing system back on track but with our firm determination and vision we will gift the people an accountable and transparent dispensation which they deserve," the Minister said.
He asked for expediting work on prestigious project of International Trade Center being developed in an area of 371 kanals in Srinagar. He took stock of functioning of Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Craft Development Institute.
Director Handicrafts, Tariq Hussain Ganai, while presenting the activities and achievements of the department, informed that the Central government has sanctioned 4,000 modern carpet looms for Jammu region.
He raised several issues for improvement in working of the department which inter alia include opening of more training centers in Jammu, infrastructure development, inclusion of male artisans in handicraft production, stipend enhancement, membership etc.
