Rs 4.57 cr being spent on development of handicraft clusters in Kashmir'
Srinagar, Dec 23: An amount of Rs 4.57 crore is being utilised to develop handicraft clusters for the growth of embroidery and paper mache crafts in Kashmir valley, officials said on Sunday.
According to the officials, consultancy support for the development of embroidery and paper mache crafts are being developed at Noor Bagh and Zadibal at a cost of Rs 2.39 crore and Rs 2.18 crore, respectively.
''The project has been taken up under restoration and strengthening of livelihood component of the World Bank-funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project and Department of Industries and Commerce is the Project Implementation agency for the component,'' they said.
So far comprehensive skill assessment of the artisans skilled in the traditional crafts of embroidery (crewel, chain-stitch) and paper mache has been done and artisan have been categorized according to their level of skill by the consultants, the officials further said.
''The department now focuses on the up gradation of the skills of the artisans, for which recently a workshop was organised wherein the artisans were imparted the latest training on product design and colour schemes to be adopted while designing a product,'' they added.
The artisans were provided with improved market linkages with assured supply order worth Rs three crore each to provide them with platforms to participate and exhibit their crafts in major exhibitions. The creation of artisan database and creation civil infrastructure in the handicrafts clusters areas is also included in the overall project, officials said.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer J&KERA / JTFRP Dr Raghav Langer on Saturday visited Solina Silk Factory and was shown various sections of the filature which has been established way back in 1939.
A consultancy services for preserving the heritage value of the unit its landscaping and exploring opportunities for setting up the 'heat' on the premises is also being carried out under the project.