Handicrafts sector,artisans the economic strength of J-K: Omar

He emphasised on the need for preserving the age-old arts and crafts of the state,saying the economic strength of the state is in the development of handicrafts and progress of the artisans.

“When young 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 Chief Minister 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 the need for middlemen,who take the lion’s share of their hard work.

He told the Handicrafts Department to organised regular activities in the Haat,with mega handicrafts melas once or twice in a year.

The Chief Minister also underlined the need for a symbiotic relationship between the artisans of Jammu and Kashmir 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. This would create a direct liaison between craftsmen of the state with artisans in other parts of the country and

would open new vistas of economic welfare,he added.

Stressing on 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 have also 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

“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.

Speaking at mela inauguration,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,adding that the government has also raised the reward amount given to outstanding artisans from Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000.

Similarly,the loan facility available to handicrafts units has also been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.

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