BARAMULLA: The District Handicrafts office, Baramulla today organized a one day Artisan awareness camp cum Registration mela at Dak Banglow Sopore, here.
On the occasion, the Artisans were apprised about various welfare schemes launched by the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom for overall benefit of artisan fraternity.
The Assistant Director Handicrafts, Baramulla briefed about the various activities being carried out by the department to cater to the problem of unemployment. The officer informed that presently 1400 trainees are undergoing training in traditional crafts in 57 training centres throughout the district. 4362 Artisans have been registered by the office during the current financial year in different crafts.
Under the newly launched Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, 200 cases have been sponsored to various financial institutions of the 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 middlemanship.
The Assistant Director Handicrafts 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.
LDM J&K Bank Baramulla while speaking on the occasion clarified the due process of approval of the Artisan Credit Card scheme and also addressed the grievances raised by the Artisans. He assured that all the hindrances in the approval process will be addressed.
The gathering was addressed by Officers of the School of design Srinagar. They interacted with the artisans and discussed the need of new designs and trends to sustain the market competition.
Among others, BDC Chairman Sopore and LDM J&K Bank Baramulla were the dignitaries present at the camp besides the camp was also attended by the officers, officials of the department and a large number of people.