KVIB to help sport pashmina shawl industries in J and K

Srinagar, Jul 5 (UNI) To help pashmina shawl weaving units to come out from the tough times, the Kahdi and Village industries Board (KVIB) today decided to open two Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The CFC would be opened at Bandipora in the Kashmir valley and Basholi in Jammu to assist pashmina shawl weaving units that were facing tough times, secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KVIB R C Sharma said.

An official spokesman said according to Mr Sharma the Pashmina shawls were extremely popular not only in India but also in international market.

Mr Sharma said the project would cost about Rs 2.5 million, out of which 75 per cent would be given by government while implementing agencies would contribute the remaining amount.

While asserting facilities being provided by the centres, Mr Sharma said the wages of the weavers would be increased from Rs 50 to Rs 120.

Previously for one ordinary shawl at Basholi the artisan earned Rs 300 whereas now they would receive approximately Rs 450 and at Bandipora from Rs 500 to 1200 depending upon yarn with CFC.

People working in product development would have a benefit of 50 to 60 per cent. Nearly 1,200 weavers and 3,800 spinners would be availing facilities in CFC, he said.

UNI BAS MYK JT UCS1231