Task force to uplift handicrafts sector in J-K

Addressing a high level meeting here yesterday to look into various aspects required for revival of the handicraft sector,he said traditional handicraft activities are seen in Jammu division and Ladakh besides the Kashmir Valley.

The task force has been directed to reach out to artisans in all areas and ascertain their difficulties while formulating the report,the chief minister said.

He directed the task force to look into the functioning of various emporia and come up with suggestions as to how these outlets could be utilised to benefit the poor artisans.

“The government wants to rejuvenate the handicraft sector and ameliorate the lot of artisans besides protecting and upgrading this specialty of the state,” the chief minister said.

He said in order to reduce the chance of exploiting poor artisans by middlemen,the concerned department should devise an efficient method under which artisans are able to directly market their handicraft products particularly in Delhi and other metropolitan cities.

Omar said artisans need to be encouraged to sell their products in outside markets by empowering them with required facilities so that the benefits percolate directly to them.