Comprehensive schemes for upliftment of handicrafts

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 21: Financial Commissioner I&C, Khursheed Ahmad Ganaie met today Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India at New Delhi.
In the meeting, among other issues, release of funds for Modern Carpet Looms being manufactured by SICOP was discussed in detail.
Asserting the importance of the Handicrafts Sector in the employment generation, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GoI assured Financial Commissioner I&C that the funds earmarked for the scheme shall be released shortly.
Financial Commissioner I&C gave details of the looms already supplied and assured that every possible step shall be taken to supply/install balance 6000 looms to beneficiaries/artisans by the end of the current financial year 2014-15.
Financial Commissioner I&C also requested Secretary Ministry of Textiles for allotting additional stalls at Delhi Haat during November 2014 to February 2015.
In addition to this, other vital issues including 10 Handicraft Cluster around Srinagar under Cluster Handicraft Comprehensive Development Scheme (CHCDS), establishment of Four Carpet Production Centers at Districts Bandipora, Budgam, Anantnag and Kulgam   in Kashmir valley, opening of Common Facility Center (CFC) for Handloom Weavers at Kalloosa Nadihal of district Bandipora, Budgam and district Kulgam and issue of Weavers Credit Card Scheme for Handloom Weavers were also discussed in detail for which Secretary, Ministry of Textiles,  GoI assured Financial Commissioner I&C that a meeting shall be convened shortly at Srinagar to be attended by Development Commissioner Handicrafts/Handloom, Ministry of Textiles, GoI and NABARD and all issues shall be settled accordingly.
The meeting was also attended by Development Commissioner Handicraft, Development Commissioner Handloom GoI and Managing Director, J&K SICOP.