SRINAGAR: The Union Ministry of Textiles has sanctioned Rs 30.46 lakh for skill development and distribution of improved toolkits among artisans practising Kashmir’s traditional crafts, including carpet weaving, Sozni embroidery, papier-mâché and walnut wood carving.
The funding has been released under the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), with the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, designated as the implementing agency for the approved interventions, according to a departmental statement.
Of the total allocation, Rs 15.01 lakh has been earmarked for two Guru Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan programmes covering Kashmir carpet weaving and Sozni embroidery. Each programme will run for two months and focus on transferring traditional skills from experienced master artisans, or Gurus, to trainees, known as Shishyas.
The training programmes also provide for wage compensation for artisans, honorariums for master craftsmen, space rent, training equipment and compensation for raw materials, the department said.
A further Rs 15.45 lakh has been allocated for three improved toolkit distribution programmes covering walnut wood carving, Sozni embroidery and papier-mâché.
The toolkit initiative is intended to give artisans access to better equipment, improve working efficiency and productivity, and help enhance the quality of their products.
The department said the programmes were aimed at preserving Kashmir’s traditional handicraft skills while strengthening the availability of trained artisans and supporting the development of the handicrafts and handloom sector.
The allocations cover both skill-based training and equipment support for artisans working in the four traditional crafts across Kashmir Division.
