Constitutes Skill Development Committee, to register engraving artists
By: Sameer Lone
Srinagar: In a first of its kind initiative, the government is set to roll out Project “Traam” aimed at boosting the socio-economic conditions of copper ware artisans and revive the dying art.
To upgrade the skill set of traditional Copperware Craft artisans with innovative design techniques in sync with changing market demands, the government is mulling to set up a Copper Testing Lab in Srinagar.
According to official sources, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar has asked for registration of all people associated with the manufacturing and designing (engraving) and submitting the database of the same.
In this regard, a District Skill Development Committee has been constituted with Deputy Commissioner Srinagar as its chairperson.
The committee as per official sources is assigned to explore the possibilities of widening the ambit of market linkage to uplift the socio-economic conditions of artisans and rejuvenate the traditional heritage Craft in the Shaher e Khaas (Old City).
The Line departments involved in the ambitious project are supposed to work in a well-knit strategy to promote the Project.
“The DIC will work out the plan for establishing a Copper Purity Testing Lab to ensure fidelity of the utensils made of Copperware,” sources added.
Similarly, the Industries Department is supposed to identify space at Panthachowk for setting up Copperware Stalls to facilitate visiting tourists with sale of Copperware craft products.
To start with, the concerned Departments will start holding interaction sessions with the Unions/people associated with the copper trade so that they are given first-hand information about the Government sponsored schemes besides are familiarised with modern market driven designing developments in line with traditional heritage and culture.
Kashmir has one of the richest craft traditions, particularly the Srinagar City is hub of this centuries old rich craft culture which needs to be preserved and a dynamic link of the industry with the market has to be established.
