CS Dulloo, Secy Textiles discuss skill dev, artisan empowerment to boost J&K’s traditional sectors

Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, to develop a strategic roadmap for enhancing the handicrafts, handloom, and sericulture sectors in the Union Territory.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Secretary sought Textile Ministry’s support for introducing advanced certificate courses at NIFT Srinagar, with the aim of evolving these into full degree programs. He also proposed the establishment of an incubation center at NIFT, aligned with the Mission YUVA scheme, to empower and skill the youth. The meeting highlighted the importance of QR coding in promoting authentic handmade products from Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Secretary emphasized that QR coding could enhance product traceability, assure authenticity, expand market access, strengthen brand value, and build consumer trust, advocating for its broader implementation in the craft and handloom sectors. Additionally, he assured the Secretary of the imminent resolution of land transfer issues for a Weaver Service Centre at Bemina, which is expected to bolster artisan-centric initiatives in the handloom sector. Secretary Rao called for the Chief Secretary’s intervention to address challenges at NIFT Srinagar’s Ompora campus, emphasizing the need for increased funding and land allocation to elevate the institute into a leading fashion technology center. During her two-day visit to Srinagar, Rao plans to engage with textile industry representatives, inaugurate various projects, and distribute modern equipment to beneficiaries, all aimed at driving policy support and resource allocation for the growth of J&K’s traditional sectors. The visit is anticipated to enhance skill development, strengthen handicraft and handloom value chains through QR coding and market linkages, improve infrastructure with the Weaver Service Centre, and promote sericulture-based tourism. This initiative is expected to attract national attention and investment to the region’s rich craft and textile ecosystem. The meeting reflects the Government of India’s commitment to revitalizing traditional crafts in Jammu and Kashmir, empowering artisans, and enhancing the region’s cultural identity on a global stage.