Ziraat Times News Desk
SRINAGAR — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today called on citizens across the country to “buy local and empower our great artisans” during the Pashmina Artisan Awards Ceremony held in Srinagar. The event, organized by the Pashmeena Entrepreneurs Makers & Artisans (PEMA) Foundation, celebrated excellence in traditional craft, specifically focusing on the Pashmina sector.
Addressing the award recipients and attendees, LG Sinha emphasized the economic potential of a strong domestic market for handmade products from Jammu & Kashmir.
“I am confident the nation’s growing middle class, which could make up over half the population by 2030, will create a strong domestic market for J&K’s handmade products,” the Lieutenant Governor stated. He urged every household to purchase a creative product made by the master artisans of the Union Territory, recognizing J&K as a “repository of rich creative tradition.”
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that government initiatives implemented since 2020 have already “yielded significant results” in boosting the UT’s handicraft exports and establishing it as a key player in the global crafts market. He noted that new schemes and policy interventions, guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, have ensured comprehensive support to young and master artisans, aiming to revive the region’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Sinha also outlined several directives for stakeholder departments aimed at strengthening the sector’s infrastructure and market reach:
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Benefit Disbursement: Ensure artisans directly benefit from new GST reforms.
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Increased Visibility: Promote J&K’s art at major airports, shopping malls, and on national and international e-commerce platforms.
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Recognition: Provide due recognition to the skilled hands behind the products.
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Global Mapping: Promote cities and villages renowned for their artisans on the global craft map.
