STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: The Handloom department is going to develop a database of weavers for prompt and effective implementation of schemes meant for promotion of the sector.
Director Handloom, Rajesh Sharma, chairing a meeting of department asked the senior departmental functionaries to immediately start the process to generate comprehensive database. “This will ensure adequate and timely assistance under various state and centrally sponsored schemes” he added.
He asked the officers to adopt proactive approach to ensure that optimum benefits of welfare schemes reach to the weavers adding that focus should be laid on resolving all urgent issues of all those associated with the trade. He also asked for providing credit card and micro credit cards to weavers at the earliest.
The Director stressed that local artisans should be identified and encouraged so that traditional art is promoted and becomes economically viable employment avenue. He asked for rejuvenating the training centres for better skill development of the weavers.
He reviewed the achievements and progress made by the department under various schemes and welfare programmes like Integrated Handloom Development Scheme, Weavers Credit Card Scheme, Marketing and Export Promotion Scheme etc.
Sharma asked the officers to come up with innovative ideas to promote handloom sector in the state adding that this industry has a tremendous potential which can be optimally tapped with a well conceived plan and dedicated efforts.
He said that Handloom sector is a major contributor in employment generation in rural areas and every effort should be made to implement the centrally sponsored schemes for the socio economic uplift of rural masses.
The Director stressed that focus should be on marketing of the product so that weavers get better returns for their products.
He directed the concerned officers to set up MIS cell at divisional level and link the information for better functioning of the department.