Artisan Awareness camp cum Registration mela held at Kunzar

Baramulla: The Department of Handicraft and Handloom department, District Office Baramulla, on February, 24 organised an awareness camp cum registration mela for artisans at Town Hall, Kunzar here.

The Sub divisional Magistrate (SDM) Tangmarg was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

During the event, the artisans were apprised about various welfare schemes launched by the department for overall benefit of artisan fraternity.

Assistant Director Handloom, Baramulla briefed about the various activities being carried out by the department to cater to the problem of unemployment. The officer informed that presently 102 trainees are undergoing training in traditional crafts in 07 training centers throughout the district.

He said 4400Artisans have been registered by the office during the current financial year in different crafts. Under the newly launched Credit Card Scheme for Artisans & Weavers 121cases have been sponsored to various financial institutions of district for financial assistance. The aim/objective behind the scheme is to make the artisan fraternity self-reliant and save them from the clutches of middleman ship.

The officer also briefed about the creation/development of clusters that will enhance the foothold and will boost infrastructure for artisans and weaver community. He said they will be provided market support for their products through E- commerce Websites like Flipkart.

Provision of raw material bank at Pattan was also talked about; this will provide the artisans cheap and accessible raw material at their door steps.

The Assistant Director envisaged for rural empowerment and linkage of Department of Handloom for rural upliftment of Artisan fraternity.

The gathering was addressed by various officers of District Administration and Officers of the School of design Srinagar.

Officers and officials of district administration were present on the occasion, besides a multitude of artisans participated in the camp.