J&K admin working on a strategy to increase the bargaining power of artisans: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Oct 20  :  Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday said Jammu and Kashmir administration will work on a strategy to increase the bargaining power of artisans.

“The recently held G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting will have an important role in the craft brand promotion. Jammu and Kashmir administration will work on a strategy to increase the bargaining power of artisans,” he said this while addressing the artisans during an award ceremony organized by Pashmina Export and Manufacturers Association, at International Convention Centre, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

LG Sinha said that Kashmir craft has a rich history, which he said has been prevalent since the time of Mahabharat.

“Historians have spoken about Kashmir crafts. If we read about the history of Mahabharat, there is a mention of Kashmir craft,” he said.

LG Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir administration will provide all required assistance to the artisan community to empower them.

“The administration is making all efforts to ensure the growth of artisans, their families and craft including Pashmina. The administration is taking various measures so that artisans get due respect for the skills they possess. A sustainable model is an hour of need, so that the artisan from the remote village join and get empowered,” he said

LG Sinha said the government released Rs 20 crore for 4000 artisan societies in union territory so far.

He said the artisans of Jammu and Kashmir will be enrolled under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme to enjoy economic benefits from the scheme.

“Currently 3,.5 lakh artisans are registered with the handicrafts department out of which 76000 are associated with Pashmina and 55000 with carpet. Those who are not registered will also be registered so that they get benefitted by various government schemes,” he said.

“On September 17, a new scheme Vishwakarma Yojana was launched. The PM Vishwakarma Scheme will transform the lives of our artisans, craftspeople engaged in 18 identified trades. All the remaining artisans will be registered under the scheme,” he said.

LG Sinha said the government will leave no stone unturned in the revival of Pashmina industry in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Training, design and Technical, infrastructural and financial support will be ensured to the artisan community for the growth of the sector,” he said.

LG said Kashmir’s craft has played an important role in nation-building.  “That is why it is called the Pashmina capital of the world. Artisans have played an important role in making the craft famous worldwide.  This craft has a history of how it has been passed from one generation to another,” he said.

LG Sinha said the Pashmina craft has successfully overcome many challenges over the years.

“It faced many challenges including fake products, quality control and market access. During the Egypt campaign, Queen Josephine was given a Kani Shawl and it was said that the shawl was made in France, “Our artisans came up with innovations and designs to overcome various challenges to keep this art alive,” he said.

LG Sinha said today Pashmina reflects the identity of our rich culture. “Pashmina is not just a word for Jammu and Kashmir, it is an identity of our culture in the entire world. It has proved to be a unique product across the world,” he said.

LG Sinha hoped the new generation would take inspiration from the artisan’s community to preserve this unique craft for centuries.  “I hope in future our youth take inspiration from the high standard set by the master artisans,” he said.

LG Sinha said the administration provided a 50 per cent support in one-time working capital subsidy, export subsidy and access to the global market through ecommerce.

“Under Micro-credit plan, Rupees two lakhs were provided to the artisans. Under Karkhandar the scheme, new generation was invited towards adopting this craft,” he said.

LG Sinha with the government support, many crafts are in the pipeline of getting GI tagging.

“Kashmiri Namda, Wagoo, Shikara, Gaba, Willow cricket bats, Crewel, Chain stitch are currently in the pipeline of getting GI tag. After the GI, tag was approved for carpet, 1000 carpets have been registered and labelled in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

LG Sinha said the Jammu and Kashmir administration will also ensure an increased number of stalls and shops during the exhibition at Pragati Maidan.

“It provides artisans enhanced marketing opportunities and access to the global market,” he said.

He said the increased tourist arrivals was equally boosting the handicraft sector of the valley. “Those who visit Kashmir also buy our products,” he said—(KNO)