Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 26: Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga in presence of Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Information Technology, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Nanda today inaugurated Moungri Handloom Cluster at Panjar.
MLA Chenani Dinanath Bhagat, Director Handloom Development Department, J&K Rajesh Sharma, Director Handicraft Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed, Director Industries R.S. Tara, ADDC Udhampur Arvind Sharma, Joint Director Handloom Jammu Namrita Dogra, Deputy Director Handloom (Trainings) Dr. Subhash Chander , A.D Handloom Udhampur, Gulshan Kumar besides other officers were also present on the occasion.
The project to the tune of Rs 1.72 crore sanctioned by Development Commissioner Handloom, Ministry of Textiles, GoI under Comprehensive Handloom Development Scheme would benefit about 195 weavers of Panjar, Moungri, Panchari, Basnote, Kund, Kalsote and adjoining areas.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasized that this vital project would give a boost to the handloom sector in the area besides raising the socio-economic status of the local weavers.
While highlighting the main components of the project, the Minister said that it includes development of Handloom Common Facility Center, distribution of looms to weavers, construction of work-sheds for weavers and Skill Development Training through Weaver Service Centre, Srinagar. Besides, a Cluster Development Executive and Textile Designer would also be appointed under this scheme to ensure that the products made are as per the market needs.
Ganga further assured that similar clusters would soon be developed at Dudu and other rural areas so that people can get sufficient employment opportunities and local handicraft is promoted.
He also said that feasibility of setting up a trade centre in the State would be ascertained for ensuring proper marketing of the various handloom and handicraft products. Besides, he asked Department of Handicraft to distribute new looms among the weavers and also encourage carpet weaving among the rural people especially women.
Ajay Nanda, while speaking on the occasion emphasized that development of the cluster is an important step in empowering the people of rural areas. He further stressed that the various welfare schemes have been launched by the Government for socio economic empowerment of the people .
MLA Chenani, Dinanath Bhagat while speaking on the occasion urged the people to avail benefits of the various schemes of Handloom Department. He said that efforts are on to tap the potential of the area to bring it on the tourism map.
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