Srinagar: PHDCCI Kashmir chapter has appealed LG Manoj Sinha for the extension of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) for tourism, handloom and handicrafts workers.
In a letter written by PHDCCI Kashmir chapter president Baldev Singh Raina to the Lieutenant Governor, Mr Baldev said that after Agriculture, Horticulture and Tourism, the Handloom and Handicraft Industry are the largest source of employment and Livelihood across J&K.
“Over the past several decades, the Handicraft and Handloom Sectors of J&K have battled numerous challenges. But the current coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated their woes. The massive dip in economic activity and customer demand has made it difficult for the artisans as well as traders to stay afloat”, Mr Baldev said.
“In addition to this we would like to mention that the carpet, handicraft and handloom activities are the main economic activities of the people residing in the rural as well as in certain pockets of urban areas of Kashmir Valley. The Carpet, Handicraft and Handloom sector are labour-intensive sector employing the largest number of artisans and weavers throughout the valley. As per the grass root level reports these weavers and artisans are in deep trouble due to the lockdown. Most artisans are now looking for agricultural work or to do other labour Work”, he added.
“This Covid situation from last year has entrapped artisans and their families in a low-income situation with worse outcomes for their future generations. Further, large number of artisans and weavers are from the marginalised sections which is cause for concern as they are the least empowered sections of the society”, he said, adding “we as an association, therefore, advocate and request for considering the idea of linking Handicraft and Handloom artisans with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) or with J&K Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board service in order to provide safety, health and welfare measures to the artisans.
