By: Faizan Wani
Srinagar: In a significant move, the administration of Jammu & Kashmir has unveiled a new scheme for development of the craft sector in the Union Territory.
The scheme- Karkhandar scheme for development of craft sector- has been notified by the department of Industries & Commerce after its approval by the administrative council headed by LG Manoj Sinha.
The scheme will be implemented in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir through respective directorates of Handicrafts and Handloom.
The scheme intends to revive the languishing crafts and upscale the learning techniques of trainees.
It also focuses to improve the wage earnings of the craftsmen and create linkages with producer organizations to inculcate entrepreneurship skill and aptitude to the trainees.
The main thrust of the scheme is to identify and impart skill upgradation training in such crafts which are facing human resource crunch like walnut wood carving, silver filigree, carpet, Kani shawl weaving, Khatamband and Papier Machie crafts.
As per guidelines unveiled by the government, trainees/ex-trainees of the departmental training centres have to register themselves under the scheme.
Under the scheme, Karkhanas/Karkhandars who are willing to enrol ex-trainees/ pass-out trainees in his/her Karkhana will be identified by the Handicrafts and Handloom department.
“All necessary logistics in the shape of tools, equipments, looms, raw-material, space etc. shall be provided by the identified Karkhandar. The Karkhandar shall be provided a lump- sum of Rs.25,000/- per batch as expenditure on account of all the logistics needed for running the training programme successfully,” read the scheme guidelines.
The trainee/trainer (Karkhandar) will get monthly stipend under the scheme. (KNO)
