SRINAGAR: The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, has urged artisans and weavers to encourage their children and wards to apply for the two-year MBA in Craft Management and Entrepreneurship at the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar.
The programme, affiliated with the University of Kashmir, is aimed at creating professionally trained craft entrepreneurs who can take Kashmir’s traditional handicrafts and handloom products to national and international markets.
A department spokesman said the specialised postgraduate course combines craft, design, technology, management and entrepreneurship, giving students an understanding of the craft economy and opportunities emerging in the sector.
“We particularly urge the children and wards of artisans and weavers to avail this programme. Our traditional crafts possess enormous economic and export potential and a professionally trained young generation can play a decisive role in converting this heritage into sustainable enterprises,” the spokesman said.
He said the government would reimburse the entire tuition fee for the two-year postgraduate course, subject to prescribed eligibility criteria. Applicants seeking reimbursement will have to produce an income certificate issued by the competent authority.
The spokesman said CDI has played an important role in promoting professionalism, innovation and entrepreneurship in the handicrafts sector, with its alumni establishing businesses linked to Kashmir’s traditional crafts.
The institute’s integrated approach to design, technology and management equips students with skills in product development, branding, marketing and enterprise management, he said.
Meanwhile, the department is working towards creating a “startup launch pad” for students who successfully complete the MBA programme, with the aim of helping them turn their professional knowledge into viable craft enterprises and generate employment opportunities.
The department has urged eligible candidates, particularly wards of artisans and weavers, to apply within the prescribed admission schedule and avail the opportunity to build careers in craft entrepreneurship.
