Srinagar: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan, today said that the endeavour of the government is to strengthen the base level of the Handicrafts and Handloom department and take measures for uplifting the economic conditions of artisans.
He made these remarks during a registration camp organized for artisans, weavers and hawkers in association with KCCI at Kashmir Haat here by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom.
Describing handicrafts and handloom as the economic strength of J&K, the Advisor stressed on proper utilisation of Kashmir Haat for the promotion of handicrafts and to provide opportunities to artisans to sell their handicraft items directly and directed the Handicrafts Department to organize regular activities in the Haat. He emphasised that the Haat should provide daily based platform and avenue to the artisans to display and sell their products.
Advisor Baseer Khan advised the Director, Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir, Mehmood Ahmad Shah to have exhibitions organized at the Haat on fortnightly basis which will provide readymade market to the artisans. He directed the officers to publicise the events through media which would attract the potential customers and enhance the economic condition of the artisans.
Calling artisans as the identity of the Handicrafts and Handloom department, Advisor said that government is very keen for the revival of Kashmir’s art and craft. He said that the artisans are the backbone of the Handicraft industry who have since times immemorial been putting in their tireless efforts in establishing and showcasing the Kashmir’s art and craft to the world.
Advisor said that the LG is personally very keen in reviving the local art and craft and is taking all the efforts to improve the economic position of the artisans. Advisor also said that the government will facilitate the artisans in every manner in developing a solid market base for their products.
He further asked them to identify the areas where convergence with other departments or programmes for providing an immediate platform to artisans could be done. He asked for working out strategies to give a fillip to economic activities of the artisans and look for avenues which liberates them from economic distress and from the clutches of middlemen.
Advisor also said that Self Help Groups registered under National Rural Livelihood Mission working in rural areas could facilitate the working capital for artisans.
He said that endeavour of the government is to initiate adequate steps for helping artisans in increasing their production and showcasing their products. He said all efforts are being made to explore ways and means for revival of Kashmir’s art and craft. He further added that hawkers are the real promoters of Kashmir’s art and craft by installing stalls in every nook and corner of the valley.
The Advisor said that the aim of the government is to encourage the artisans so that they get self employed and generate employment for others. The Advisor also appreciated the efforts of the Director Handicrafts and handloom in organising the registration camps and handholding of the artisans. Director Mehmood Ahmad Shah gave a brief about the activities that are to be organized at the Haat and said that it is being given a major face lifting.
Advisor also asked the artisans to work with honesty and dedication and gain the trust of the consumers. He also laid stress on ensuring the quality of the products through proper certification and said that only certified products should be showcased so that the handicrafts will be restored to its pristine glory.
