SRINAGAR: The Union Ministry of Textiles has released ₹30.46 lakh under the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) to support skill development and distribution of improved toolkits among artisans practising four traditional crafts in Kashmir.
The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, will implement the programmes covering hand-knotted carpets, Sozni embroidery, papier-mâché and walnut wood carving, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.
The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) has approved two Guru Shishya Hastshilp Prashikshan programmes for carpet weaving and Sozni embroidery, with a combined allocation of ₹15.01 lakh. The two-month programmes aim to transfer traditional skills from experienced master artisans to aspiring craftspeople and ensure continuity in these crafts.
The allocation will cover wage compensation for participating artisans, honorariums for master craftsmen, rental charges for training spaces, equipment and raw materials, the statement said.
Another ₹15.45 lakh has been allocated for three improved toolkit distribution programmes covering walnut wood carving, Sozni embroidery and papier-mâché.
The toolkit initiative aims to provide artisans with better equipment to improve working efficiency, productivity and the quality of their products.
The department said the programmes were intended to preserve Kashmir’s traditional handicraft skills while strengthening opportunities for artisans and supporting the growth of the region’s handicrafts sector.