Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 3: Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga inaugurated Handicrafts Exhibition cum Sale Expo – 2016 at Kala Kendra here today.
The Expo has been organized by the Department of Handicrafts.
The Minister visited the stalls at the Expo and viewed various products displayed by various handicraft cooperative societies from different parts of the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Ganga appreciated the efforts of the department in organizing such exhibitions which besides promoting State’s traditional handicrafts also facilitates direct contact between the buyer and the seller.
Stressing on the need to promote handicraft activities in the State, the Minister directed the officials to procure the products of trainees and sell them on cheaper rates after proper bar-coding of the products. He also directed them to organize such exhibitions at state and national level on frequent basis so that the artisans and craftsman would get marketing platform to sell their products.
The Minister asked the artisans and craftsman to avail the benefits of various schemes being launched by the department for their socio economic upliftment.
Responding to various demands put forth by the artisans including development of Jammu Haat, generation of employment for weavers & artisans, incentives to Handicrafts & Handloom on the pattern of Industries etc, the Minister assured early redressal to the same.
The Minister said that all possibilities are being explored to ensure that Jammu Haat will be developed soon to provide proper marketing platform to the artisans.
Director Handicraft, Gazanffar Ali highlighted the initiatives taken up by the department to boost Handicraft industry in the state. He informed that the department is focusing on innovations and new techniques to increase the sale of the products.
During the expo, 50 stalls have been established by the department displaying products made by different Handicraft societies, artisans, craftsman and the department itself.
Meanwhile, a cultural programme was also presented by the artists of Information department on the occasion.
Among others, Director Local Bodies & Secretary, Kala Kendra, Soujanya Sharma, Director Handicrafts Department, Gazanffar Ali, Director Handlo-om Department, Rajesh Sharma, Managing Director, J&K Handicrafts (S&E) Corporation Limited, I. H. Drabu, Joint Director, Handicrafts Depart-ment, Manisha Sareen, members of various societies and weavers, artisans were present on the occasion.
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