Development unimaginable without peace, says LG Sinha

‘Urges youth to be a part of the developmental journey of nation’

Jammu: The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha on Thursday urged the youth of to tread the path of peace and be a part of the developmental journey of the nation.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration of the Common Facility Centre of Martand Chainstitch and Crewel Embroidery Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) Cluster at Ranipora, Mattan in Anantnag, Lieutenant Governor termed the Jammu and Kashmir as an oasis of talent and urged the youth to tread the path of peace and be a part of the developmental journey of the nation.
The cluster has been established by the J&K Khadi & Village Industries Board (KVIB) with the financial assistance of Rs 4.50 crores under SFURTI to make the traditional industries more productive and competitive.
Congratulating KVIB and the artisans on the occasion, the Lt Governor said that the new facility will cater to the needs of 5000 artisans with multi pronged intervention for capacity building, skill development, design and product development and market development.
He said this cluster will bring about tremendous change and prosperity in the lives of many artisans who are a vital component of our society, keeping alive the invaluable elements of our rich culture and tradition, he added.
LG said that J&K is known for its exquisite crafts and craftsmanship and with the active support of the Central Government, the UT administration is extending every possible support, providing market linkages so that the age-old pristine craftsmanship is preserved in its true essence.
Lt Governor said that the concerted efforts of Khadi & Village Industries Commission and J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board to revive village industries, handloom, and handicrafts has scripted a new record in J&K in terms of growth and employment.
In 2021-22, under PMEGP, the KVIC had established 21,640 manufacturing and service units, way ahead of other bigger states. As many as 1.73 lakh new employment in J&K was generated in FY 2021-22 under PMEGP, which is also the highest across all states and UTs in the country, the Lt Governor noted.
Under PMEGP of KVIC, 52,116 units have been installed from 2014 till last financial year as compared to only 10,401 village units established in J&K between 2008 and 2014.
Further, the limit for financial assistance to handicraft artists through Artisan Credit Card was also increased from Rs One lakh to Two lakhs, besides, 2118 handicraft artists have been given the benefit of Mudra Yojana and 26 units have been set up through the Karkhandar scheme, which will be increased to 50 by the end of this year.