CS Reviews Roadmap to Boost Handicrafts, Handloom Sector in J&K

Jammu: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review progress and outline a roadmap for strengthening the Handicrafts and Handloom sector in Jammu and Kashmir, with focus on skilling, financial inclusion, GI tagging, and infrastructure development.
The Chief Secretary directed immediate operationalisation of non-functional training centres across districts and stressed alignment with the National Skills Qualification Framework to enhance recognition of artisan skills. He also called for increased registration of artisans on the Udyam portal and improved access to credit through linkage with the RBI’s Unified Lending Interface.
Emphasising modernisation, he advocated collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology for capacity-building programmes to integrate contemporary design with traditional crafts.
Reviewing GI tagging progress, Dulloo stressed full utilisation of QR-based systems and integration with national digital platforms to ensure product authenticity and traceability. He also directed expediting implementation of the Tex-RAMPS scheme.
Officials informed the meeting that over 17,000 artisans and weavers were registered in the past year, taking the total to more than 4.52 lakh. Around 12,600 individuals have been trained through departmental centres.
Key initiatives highlighted included establishment of a Craft Village in Budgam, development of Common Facility Centres for processing and dyeing, and infrastructure upgrades at major institutions. Projects under consideration include raw material depots, bamboo and calico clusters, and an Urban Haat in Samba.
The meeting also reviewed financial support schemes, including the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, under which over 2,400 cases have been sanctioned. Under the Karkhandar Scheme, 46 units have been set up with government assistance.
It was noted that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a milestone by securing GI tags across its traditional crafts, with nearly 4,700 registered GI users and over 80,000 products QR-labelled.
The meeting concluded with a review of proposed PM Ekta Unity Malls in Srinagar and Jammu, with work expected to commence soon.