Budgam: The 52 day long ‘Product Development in Embroidery’ workshop for tribal artisans of Budgam culminated today at a function held at Doodpathri in Budgam. The training programme was organised under the scheme Cluster Tribal Model Village.
The workshop was conducted by National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) and started from March- 22, where as many 27 tribal artisans were provided skill development training.
Lauding the efforts of District Administration Budgam and NIFT for organising the workshop, Secretary Tribal Affairs, Dr Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary who was chief guest on the occasion said that innovative model of Budgam shall be replicated in other districts also to ensure better skill development trainings are provided to the tribal artisans.
The Secretary said that the Government has initiated various schemes and conducted workshops for promotion of local craft artisans.
He said that special exhibitions and two mega Haats would be also organised for the artisans to showcase their products and efforts are on to ensure better market facilities to all traditional craft with new innovative designs introduced by our artisans.
He further emphasized on holding more courses and assured full support to the concerned departments for promotion of tribal artisans and their craft at both national and international level.
On the occasion, the Secretary also felicitated the artisans and distributed registration certificates among the artisans. The artisans also showcased their craft work and products they have prepared during the workshop period.
The Handicrafts and Handloom departments had also set up their stalls to showcase their products on the occasion.
Terming it a big achievement, the Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza who also spoke on the occasion said that these artisans can make world’s best craft products.
He stressed on the handholding of these artisans and said better market facilities are ensured for them for promotion of the local art and craft.
He said the district administration shall conduct one more workshop on digital designing for local artisans.
He further urged artisans to make best use of training and ensure better craft products are produced by them.
He said such programmes shall help tribal youth to compete and excel with new innovative designing.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Handicrafts, Tariq Ahamd Zargar said that introducing innovation was the only way to compete and promote our art and craft.
He stressed that e- commerce facilities are also important for its promotion.
Director NIFT, Javed Ahmad Wani also spoke on the successful holding of the workshop and deliberated on its importance for empowerment of artisans and turning them to become job providers.
Among others, Special Secretary Tribal Affiars, Mohammad Harun Malik, CEO Doodhpathri, ACD, AD Handloom, Trainers, Artisans and others were present on the occasion.
