Jammu and Kashmir:ELFA International organises one-day awareness seminar with artisans

The event aimed at introducing various schemes offered by DCH to artisans, and to raise their awareness regarding allied schemes and the means and methods to avail the same.

The resource persons drawn from various departments and sectors disseminated the necessary information among the participants, opening up various dimensions and bringing into light the various facets of the sector.

In her welcome address, Areej Safvi, welcomed the guests, thanking them for their participation.

Areej, in her opening remarks gave a brief review of ELFA International, its modus operandi and its penetration into social sphere, addressing the issues confronting the individuals and societies at large.

Highlighting the importance of handicrafts and the role of artisans in the economy of a place like J&K, she emphasised the importance of such events and occasions.

She gave an enthralling Ladishah performance highlighting the social issues and our collective state of affairs.

Praising the artisans for their selfless contribution to the society, she also reiterated the ELFA International’s pledge to work for the betterment and the cause of artisans and to continue their commitment to the same.

Muhammad Rafiq, Assistant Director, HSC Srinagar said in his opening remarks that the government is acting proactively and dedicatedly for the welfare of artisans and all efforts are being made to bring our handicrafts at par with the global standards.

He spoke about the schemes being introduced by the department and also assured the artisans of the support and mentoring for which the department shall be available always.

He also presented before artisans the nature and scope of HSC and pressed upon artisans the indispensability of continuation of handicrafts.

He also expressed his optimism on the long-going partnership with ELFA International and to increase the contours and scope of this partnership.

Rafiq also informed the artisans present on the importance of Artisan/Pehchaan card and the procedure to avail the same.

Speaking on the awareness of artisans, he emphasised the role of artisan-department communiqué and also apprised participants of the role of technology and e-portals in this direction.

He praised ELFA International of its untiring efforts in the domain of awareness, sensitisation and social outreach.

Speaking on similar lines, Rahail Raja, Assistant Director, HSC Srinagar said that handicraft has been the civilisational trait of Kashmir and there’s a pressing need not only to perpetuate these crafts, but to expand and enrich them, bring them in consonance with the modern market strategies and to stay apace with technological advancements.

He spoke of the historical roots of handicrafts and artisanship and the quantum in which Kashmir has contributed to this perennial craft.

He beautifully brought forth the aesthetic and the ethical dimensions of handicraft sector and the dignity of labour it entails.

He also assured the artisans that the department shall always be present to address their issues and to extend every possible help.

Naseer Ahmad Mir, artisan and national awardee boosted the morale of participants by sharing with them his own “From Riches to Rags” sort of story.

He hailed the department for its proactive and artisan centric approach.

Mohammad Asif, Assistant Floriculture Officer, Anantnag, gave a succinct outlay of GEM portal and the use of E-Commerce platform.

He stressed upon the participants to stay abreast of the evolving online trends – GEM being an aspect of the same, to stay in sync with the market dynamics.

He outlined the convenience offered by GEM portal to the sellers/buyers in general and artisans in particular. The transparency, efficiency and convenience being the defining features of the GEM portal, he said. 

Mir Sajad, regional coordinator at ELFA International, thoroughly spoke on the subject of marketing strategies in handicraft sector and the role of emerging e-marketing.

He informed the artisans present of the “Artisan Melas” and the market advantages of participating in the same.

He also spoke on the importance of brand promotion and the means of attaining the same. Besides making artisans aware on insurance schemes like Mudra loan , Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Joti Bheema Yojna and Pradhan Mantri Surakhsha Bheema Yojna.

Sajad also spoke about the various awards conferred at national level and the official procedures to pursue the same. 

Wahid Bin Qayoom from ELFA International gave a detailed presentation on GI Act and GST and other taxation norms.

He apprised the artisans present of the various ways and modes in which taxes are levied and the need for artisans to update themselves on the same.

Wahid also spoke on GI tagging and its relevance to artisans to qualify their marketing and to carve a niche in brand creation. 

The event was interspersed with various team building activities, moderated by Mehran Khan, CEO, ELFA International and the importance of coordination, leadership, and team work was made manifest to the participants by means of different playful activities.