Srinagar: An inventory of Rs 600 crore worth Kashmir handicrafts goods remains stockpiled, resulting in immense livelihood challenges for Kashmir’s artisans and businessmen.
This was stated during an interaction between a delegation of members of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry belonging to the Handicrafts Sector led by Javed Ahmad Tenga, Past President with Mehmood Ahmad Shah, Director Handlooms and Handicrafts Department in his office chambers today.
Javed Ahmad Tenga expressed his deep concern at the steadily deteriorating condition of the stakeholders, especially our artisans and weavers connected with the handicrafts sector. He said that our Handicrafts Sector stood devastated because of the diminished demand, fall in prices, piling up of inventories, accumulation of debts and the uncertain situation ahead. The traditional markets for exports have shown a sharp nosedive in the consumption levels leaving the stakeholders high and dry.
Other members who participated were Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Muzaffer Majid Jan and Mohammed Latief Bhat.
The delegation appreciated the tireless efforts put in by Mehmood Ahmad Shah towards the upliftment of the handicrafts sector. “In a short span of hardly five months after taking over as Director, he had been instrumental in giving a much required direction and focus to the Department. The formulation and implementation of various schemes and interventions for the overall upliftment of this sector especially artisans and weavers was indeed commendable. Amongst other measures, special mention needs to be made of the efforts of Mehmood Ahmad Shah in fast tracking block level clusters under NHDP, seminars and webinars organised to promote Pashmina Shawls and apparel designs and scientific compilation of database of artisans”, said a statement issued after the meeting.
Javed Ahmad Tenga stated that presently, it is estimated that a handicrafts related goods inventory of more than 600 crores has stockpiled in the private sector. This has created a peculiar situation which demanded sustained efforts for liquidation. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been advocating the adoption of Brand Kashmir by the Central Government, State Government and other PSU’s and it was also suggested that the Government Arts Emporium and other bodies like the HHEC and Central Cottage Emporium be approached for promotion and sale of Brand Kashmir in the private sector throughout the country and globally as well. For the speedy liquidation of the stocks and also to generate further demand, it was important that the huge consumption potential of the Country – Governmental, Institutional and Private – is tapped to the fullest.
He said that although we understand that the present situation may not look conducive for effectively marketing our products but being optimistic seems to be only choice we have at present. For this purpose, a roadmap for putting this sector on the path of economic recovery was suggested and deliberated upon, Muzaffer Majid Jan, one of the delegation members said.
The suggestions included:
Participation in Exhibitions/Fairs as and when Situation Permits
- Taking effective steps for having an dominating presence in the various fairs/exhibitions like the India International Trade Fair, Delhi HAAT, Noida Haat, Hunnar HAAT, RBSM’s organised by Expo Centre and exhibitions all over the major cities of the Country.
- Making preparations for participation in prestigious international fairs like DOMOTEX, HEIMTEXTIL, FOIRE DE PARIS, AFL ARTIGANO in various countries being organised by the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Textiles and well as other events being organised by the ITPO and various Export Promotion Councils.
Loan Waivers for Artisans and Weavers
- Mr Javed said that in view of the delicate condition of our artisans and weavers who have lost the capacity to meet their loan obligations and with the view of providing them with a fresh start, it was necessary that the loans given to artisans and weavers be completely waived off. The principal loan amount per artist was a meagre Rs 90,000/- and the whole impact on the Government would be in the vicinity of only Rs. 200 Crores which was nothing when compared to farmer loan waivers announced by various States ranging between Rs 1,000 Crores to Rs 60,000 Crores.
- He also strongly suggested that till the improvement in the situation, monthly financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 5,000/- be provided to our artisans and weavers.
- He also raised the problems arising out of the requirement of developed countries of using Azofree Dyes for the handicrafts products including shawls, carpets etc. He stated that in the interest of environment as well as human health, it was necessary for the Government to provide an azo free dying facility here.
Mehmood Ahmad Shah welcomed the suggestions put forth by the participants and in this regard stated that the Handicrafts and Handloom Department was itself putting in a lot of effort to alleviate the sufferings of the artisans and weavers and also for the promotion of Brand Kashmir line of handicrafts. He stated that with regard to the Azo free dying and other advanced methods, the Department was organising a three day awareness program to educate the stakeholders about the latest methods of dying. He stated that the Government was open to suggestions for providing the faciity on a PPP mode.
Mr Shah stated that with the view of providing direct link to artisans and weavers with customers, the Department was facilitating their access to the Gem Portal. He said that all the necessary technical support would be provided by the Department for a hassle-free access.
With regard to the participation in exhibitions and fairs, he invited the members to provide a detailed proposal with details of events which the participants felt would be good for the promotion and sale of our handicraft products and the same would be discussed and planned together.
He also informed the participants that the long pending demand with regard to GI Tagging of Kashmir Carpets was in the final stages and the necessary infrastructure would be in place and operational within the next three months. The Department was also finalising the Minimum Support Price for artisans and weavers which would go a long way in assuring them of a fair price for their hard work
