Jammu and Kashmir's Minister for Industries and Commerce, SS Slathia has called for effective implementation of the Integrated Handloom Development Scheme sponsored by the Central Government. The Scheme aims to promote the State's centuries-old handloom sector, which is recognized for its intricate and unique fabric weaving and designs.
The Minister said that the custom of handloom weaving is amongst the richest and most vivid aspects of the State's economic and cultural heritage. While addressing a review meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Handloom Development Department, he directed the concerned officials of the Department to complete the task of thoroughly upgrading the handloom sector to counter the invasion of machine made textiles.
While requesting for effective implementation of all promotional measures related to handlooms, Mr. Slathia called for special focus on Cluster Development Programme and Group Approach Scheme floated by the Centre for weavers' upliftment.
He called for upgrading the skills of handloom weavers, developing new designs and making provisions for providing proper marketing support to the weavers, to boost the competitiveness of handloom items. The Minister said that creation of increasing number of handloom cooperative societies would prove to be of great benefit in this connection.
He suggested making provision for a 10 percent special rebate on sale of handloom items so as to enhance their acceptability and competiveness in comparison with power loom products.
The Minister revealed that the Centre has given approval for two Yarn Depots, of which one would be in Jammu and another in Srinagar.
He further stated that with an aim to set up a linkage between the weavers and the Department, groups comprising of 10 weavers each have been constituted in all the handloom clusters. Besides, 260 weavers have been provided margin money, while 317 weavers have been given new looms, and 12,320 weavers have been brought under the health insurance cover.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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