Handloom sector gets boost in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 3: To give a big boost to handloom sector, Jammu and Kashmir government has created a separate Directorate of Handloom Development Department (HDD) to uplift the age-old craft in the state.

Asking youths to venture into small scale industrial sector for earning their livelIhood with dignity and independently, Minister of State for Industries Romesh Chander Sharma distributed a financial assistance of over Rs 51.77 lakh among 24 Primary Handloom Cooperative Societies of Srinagar and Budgam districts.

The Minister said the Handloom Industry was an age-old craft which gives employment to largest segment of state's population.

He added that over 30,000 weavers were dependent on handloom sector for livelihood.

However, he asked the entrepreneurs to produce quality products to attract buyers at the national and international markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Gani Vakil, MLC, underscored the need for creating awareness among the educated youth to adopt self-employment schemes under handloom sector, which is having ample scope.

He said government was providing liberal financial assistance to the interested besides technical trainings at various centres set up for the purpose.

Director Handloom Development Department Ms Nirmal Sharma highlighted the steps taken by the department for improving the handloom sector. She said presently 47 training centres were providing training in various trades in Kashmir division and stipend of Rs 500 per month to each trainee was being paid.

UNI