SRINAGAR: The Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar, has trained 11,000 carpet weavers across Kashmir under various government schemes. Trainees received monthly stipends ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,750 for short-term courses, while those under the Guru-Shishya Hastshilp Programme were provided Rs 7,500 per month.
In the last three financial years, exports of hand-knotted carpets from Kashmir have reached Rs 838.70 crore, reads a DIPR statement.
The training was conducted using modified carpet looms aimed at improving production quality and enabling entry into niche markets. The programme was carried out under the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, with training held both at IICT’s Srinagar campus and in district-level carpet clusters.
According to Director IICT, Zubair Ahmad, master trainers conducted face-to-face sessions to pass on advanced weaving skills. The training was part of several schemes under the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Guru-Shishya Hastshilp Programme involves National Awardees training registered weavers in two-month sessions. IICT aims to preserve and promote the traditional art of hand-knotted carpet weaving through these targeted interventions.
