Government has initiated several measures to promote Handicrafts, Handloom sectors: MoS Textiles

She said that the Government is committed to uplift these sectors and every possible help will be provided to the people associated with them.

The Minister said this while convening a meeting with officers of handicrafts, handloom and sericulture departments at Pahalgam during her public outreach programme to district Anantnag.

On the occasion, the Minister was informed about the activities, progress and development in these sectors by the concerned officers.

They briefed her about the achievements, schemes, direct and indirect employment generation and number of beneficiaries enrolled under various schemes of these departments.

A review of the handicrafts sector was presented by Director Handicrafts  Mehmood Ahmad, while various activities concerning these departments like tweed work, zari embroidery, chainstich, namda and gabba work were highlighted in detail.

During the proceedings, it was informed that certain significant steps have been taken for revival of arts and crafts which among others include merger of handicrafts and handloom departments, financial assistance to handicrafts and handloom societies, enhancement of stipend, artisan credit card, Karkhandar and  MSP schemes and education scheme for artisans and weavers.

Sericulture department gave detailed information on the propagation of improved mulberry varieties, production of quality silkworm seeds, assistance to farmers for silkworm rearing, organising of cocoon auction markets and promotion of silk rearing in the private sector. Besides, the department has incubation and chawki rearing centres (ICRCs) and is adapting to improved and new technologies in silkworm rearing, the officers said.

The Minister also met with the delegations of trade, commerce, industry and other stakeholders who put forth their demands and grievances.

District Development Commissioner Dr Piyush Singla, SSP Ashish Mishra, Joint  Director Handicrafts and Handlooms, Director Central Sericulture, Director NIFT, Deputy Director Handicrafts, Assistant Directors of Handicrafts and Handloom and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.