KL Report
Srinagar
In a bid to enhance production of good quality carpets, the Development Commissioner (Handicraft), Union Ministry of Textile has earmarked funds of Rs. 32 crores. The information was revealed by S S Slathia, minister for Industries and commerce, in a cheque distribution function under Artisan Credit Card Scheme at Craft Development Institute (CDI) on Tuesday. He says the funds will be providing 8000 modern carpet looms under mega carpet cluster project to the weavers free of cost.
While supporting developing technology based carpet industry in the state with focus on export oriented production, Slathia said during next 5 years plan, maximum traditional carpet looms will be replaced with modern looms. And the development of professionally qualified and trained human resources is imperative to restore glory of the state’s centuries old carpet industry.
Slathia reaffirming the stand of government, said that the state government is committed to provide marketing support to the artisans to curtail exploitation of middle men. He said government will bear the burden of interest on loans to the artisans under artisan’s credit card scheme adding that all resources will be mobilized to come up to the expectations of the handicraft artisans.
He urged for providing user friendly modern carpet loom’s besides research based training and knowledge to the artisans so that optimum potential of the carpet industry is exploited. While appreciating the locally produced high quality Mulbery silk, Slathia said that the industries should consume the high quality locally produced raw material than silk yarn being imported from outside the State.
“Time has come when we shall have to switch over to new technology and skill up gradation trends to promote carpet industry on the modern lines, which is imperative for sustenance and existence in the present era of innovations and stiff market competition all over the world,” said Slathia.
He also said that about 4000 carpet weavers of Srinagar district will be trained for skill up gradation during next 3 years, and handicrafts trainees shall now be awarded with authentic certificates and degrees from ITI and Kashmir University which will make handicrafts a relevant and assured job oriented activity.
Slathia also called for stringent action against unscrupulous traders who sell fake handicrafts on the name of Kashmir brand adding that soon the State will have “Registration of Kashmiri Hand Knotted Silk Carpets under Geographical Indication Act to provide legal protection and safeguard against use of registered Geographical Indication by others.
Presently, 552 carpet and 100 Kani shawl design applications have already been incorporated for Carpet Design Software (CDS). For the purpose a design Bank for carpet craft in the digital format has been created where under 280 old traditional carpet designs have been digitalized.
