Corporate degree to revive Kashmiri crafts

The Government has decided that corporate education is the key to the success of the handicraft industry in Kashmir. For the first time in the country

The Government has decided that corporate education is the key to the success of the handicraft industry in Kashmir. For the first time in the country, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir—in collaboration with the Centre —has introduced a post-graduate management degree to create handicraft entrepreneurs and managers.

Twenty young aspirants are set to join the first batch of the course, “Craft Management and Entrepreneurial Leadership”, which aims to create craft enterprise across the state.

The two-year course is being run by the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar, an autonomous body under the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Union Ministry of Textiles, and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The export of handicrafts from India saw an increase of 10.02 per cent in 2005-2006, touching $3.28 billion. The growth of the sector is indicative of its potential, which also means new opportunities in business, production, trade and employment. A professional approach can help by bringing traditional products and techniques closer to global market requirements,” says M S Farooqi, CDI Director.

According to him the programme is suitable for both aspiring entrepreneurs as well as those who wish to expand and strengthen their existing business, as well as others who could become crafts managers in private or social enterprises.

“We will be encouraging entrepreneurship. We have already spoken to banks here and they are willing to give loans once students complete their degrees,” Farooqi said.

While the first year of the course would focus on developing fresh thinking, designing, strategy building, communication techniques and understanding the socio-cultural milieu of handicrafts, in the second year, students would be given management, finance, accounting, marketing, economics and entrepreneurship lessons.