Corporations of Handloom and Handicraft Development Vice Chairman Nizamuddin Bhat have sought government assistance to raise the infrastructure for quality goods in Handloom as it will lose its dominance. He has also exhorted to galvanise support for handloom and handicraft export as without marketing of Kashmir Art in International business centres, the state will lay behind as the unorganised sector in Handloom and Handicraft is already facing more challenges in absence of a more harmonious policy to sustain and promote the trade.
Interacting with several stake holders, he said that it has been a persistent desire of the government to restore Handloom and Handicraft sector to its prestige glory. That is why, post- flood the present dispensation extended Financial Assistance to make up for damages suffered by two corporations. The private sector also got incentives which are helping weavers, craftsmen and embroiders to remain devoted to their profession in time with its established standards.
While, Union Government has opened several schemes for indigenous growth of the art and craft, State Government remained concerned for extending required market support and quality control. Both Handloom and Handicraft of the state faces tough competition from other states, market avenues have for J & K need to expanded, the government will also have to do added effort to enable the dealers to compete in the open market. The government support has to come in respect of a harmonious and effective policy which should be aimed at pro-active approach to instill confidence among the weaver, artists and craftsmen to preserve the tradition and push this indigenous employment sector further up.
Also proposal has been invited from the stake holders for consideration of the government in this direction and hoped that they will cooperate. He said that inclusive and cooperative approach alone can help to boost the two sectors. Besides this the available resources need to be utilized in a coordinated manner allowing the private and public sector to come together.
