Govt to provide full support to boost handicrafts industry

Srinagar, Jun 21 (UNI) Assuring full support to further boost the Rs 1,600 crore handicraft industry in the Jammu and Kashmir, Minister of Textiles, Shankersinh Vaghela said the government will continue to provide all assistance to Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) and the Craft Development Institute (CDI) for next five years.

Addressing a press conference here after dedicating to the nation IICT and CDI at Baghi-Ali-Mardan-Khan this afternoon, Mr Beghela said these projects will give a boost to the promotion and development of textiles and handicrafts in the State.

Both the projects are part of the Prime Ministers' Special Package of Jammu and Kashmir launched at the cost Rs 16 crores.

He said the main objective of the CDI is to provide research and development facilities in the field of managerial and process testing issues related to various crafts and to provide training for craftsmen and entrepreneurs.

Similarly, the objective of the IICT is to provide support to local carpet and allied industry.

Mr Vaghela said Jammu and Kashmir was an important manufacturing anc export hub for the handicrafts as diverse as intricately woven and designed silk and art silk carpets, fine embroidered pashmina shawls, paper machine and wood carving.

He said to give further boost to the quality and productivity of the artisanals products, his Ministry had been focusing on creating the needed institutional support to the craft sector to make the products competitive in the world market.

On the request of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was also present at the press conference, the Union Minister agreed to extend full assistance to these institutes for next five years.

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