DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Dec 20
The Handicrafts and Handloom department Kupwara today organized a one-day awareness camp at Gund Chogal Handwara in District Kupwara to raise awareness among the participants regarding various welfare schemes and programmes offered by the department.
The camp was attended by a large number of artisans, trainees, society holders besides officers of Handicrafts and Handloom, KVIB and industries etc Tehsildar Handwara, Assistant Director Handicrafts & Handloom Department Kupwara besides officials of the department and other line departments were also present on the occasion. Addressing the artisans, speakers emphasized the role of the department in upliftment of the artisan and weavers community of the area. Speaking on the occasion, the Assistant Director stressed upon the attendants to adapt the traditional crafts like handloom weaving, kani shawl weaving, putting weaving, chain stitch, crewel, embroidery, wood carving, paper mache, zari, tapestry, willow wicker and Carpet etc, for earning their livelihood by availing the departmental schemes.
He directed the concerned Officers to make sure that newly formulated schemes for artisans percolate down to the target public. He also informed the artisan and weaver community to avail the benefits of the departmental schemes since everything has been made available to them through JK single window clearance system. The AD highlighted the achievements made by the department during the current fiscal and said that the department has provided interest subsidy under credit card scheme for Artisans and weavers, besides financial assistance of more than 1.2 crore under the said scheme has been granted to the artisan community of District Kupwara for setting up their own income generating units.
He said that the department is also providing Rs.1500 and Rs.1000 monthly stipend to the trainees enrolled in the training centers during the training period. Besides, it also provides financial assistance of Rs 01 lakh for the formation of cooperative self- help groups and till date 160 cooperative groups have been registered in the district Kupwara out of which 18 were formulated in the Handwara area.
The speakers informed attendees that the Government is taking various measures to promote all forms of Handicrafts. It is the endeavor of the Government to identify each Artisans and issue Artisan cards to them so that they are entitled to different welfare schemes and programmes of the Government.
