Govt contemplates modern techniques to develop Handloom sector

Minister for Industries and Commerce, Mr. S. S. Slathia has said that the handloom sector is playing pivotal role for uplifting the socio-economic condition of the artisans of the state. He said that the government is contemplating to introduce modern techniques for developing the sector on modern lines, adding that the artisans would also be acquainted with latest techniques.
This was stated by the Minister, while chairing 56th Board of Directors meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Handloom Development Corporation (JKHDC) here today. 
Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Mr. Anil Goswami, Director General, Budget, Mr. Ravi Magotra, Managing Director, JKHDC, Mr. Showkat Ali attended the meeting. 
Mr. Slathia said that with the introduction of hi-tech and state of arts techniques in textiles and related sector, this sector suffered a jolt in recent past, adding that with the efforts of government and the people engaged in the manufacturing of handloom products, the sector has been brought back on rails. He said with the coordinated efforts and sincere toil being put-in by the concerned, it is hoped that the sector would revive and the condition of people would also be improved. 
Referring to the recent steps taken by the coalition government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah, Mr. Slathia said that there is neither dearth of funds nor lack of expertise to bring revolution in the sector. Detailed discussions were also held on various agenda points which included confirmation of the minutes of the previous board meeting, budgetary proposals for 2009-10, holding of annual general meeting of share-holders, current year’s performance and adoption of SICOP service rules.
The meeting decided to frame subcommittees for settling various issues in a time-bound manner for development of JKHDC and the well-being of the employees.  
The meeting was informed that for the development of Woolen Sector in the state, a project involving Rs. 4.93 crore was sanctioned under Prime Ministers Economic Package, of which Rs. 3.61 crore have been spent on various activities. 
The meeting has further told that the Corporation has achieved the production of 2.76 lakh meters and the sale was over Rs. 4 crore during the last year.  

Checking ill effects of pollution

Environment Committee, Legislative Council has suggested that the brick kilns situated right from Qazigund on National Highway be shifted to the poorly populated areas of the valley so that the bad effects of pollution are avoided. The committee also stressed for continuing with the steps for conserving the Dal lake and other water bodies of the state.
The Committee met here today under the Chairmanship of Member Legislative Council Mr. Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardi, Legislators including Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, Mr. Showkat Hussain Ganai and Syed Mohammad Rafi Shah attended the meeting.
The Committee held threadbare deliberations on various issues like ban on use of polythene, ill effects of crushers and cement factories in densely populated area.
The Chairman directed the officers of Legislative Council to obtain detailed information from pollution control board with regard to their role for ensuring J&K a pollution free state.

Old designs, new innovations will make handicraft products saleable

CM announces sponsorship of four students to CDI every year 
Highlighting the importance of handicrafts in State’s economy, Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah Thursday called for preservation of rare handicrafts designs and use of new innovative techniques to make products more saleable. He called for providing impetus to this sector to ensure welfare of thousands of people linked to this activity directly and indirectly.
The Chief Minister said this while inspecting the Craft Development Institute (CDI), near Bagh-e-Ali-Mardan-Khan, here today.
Calling for preservation and protection of rare handicraft designs by utilizing modern technology, Mr. Abdullah said CDI could play a vital role in this endeavour and open new vistas of handicrafts development in the State.
The Chief Minister said handicrafts produced in the Valley are matchless and sought-after items all over the world. “We should nurture and help the sector to grow in an organized and scientific manner, utilizing modern techniques to open new employment opportunities and economic avenues for the youth,” he added.
The Chief Minister visited various departments of the institute and evinced keen interest in designs of papier mache, wood-carving, metal works, chain-stitch and leather and willow works created by the Institute. He also interacted with students undergoing MBA in Craft Management. The students explained various projects they were working on and requested for sponsorship of meritorious students to the institute by the State Government.
Responding to their request, the Chief Minister announced annual sponsorship of four meritorious students to the institute for MBA in Craft Management and Entrepreneur Leadership Programme, the first of its kind in the country. He said young boys and girls under training at the Centre could become role models for others in the field of skill development and capacity-building.
Director, CDI, Mr. M. S. Farooqi apprised the Chief Minister about the functioning of the institute and presented a resume of its activities. He said CDI aims to act as a catalyst of change by acquainting craftsmen with new market trends on one hand and preserving ancient designs on the other. The CDI endeavours to renew relevance, interest and economic potential of handicrafts sector and safeguarding its stature, he added.
CDI, Srinagar, is an autonomous institute established by the Union Ministry of Textiles. It is managed by an Executive Committee, headed by Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce. It offers an integrated set of programmes that provide a holistic approach to learning, skill enhancement, training and support required for revival of the handicraft sector. It also offers two flagship programmes of craft management and textile designs for the students. The programmes are based on a multi-disciplinary concept of interfacing applied aspects of design, management and technology in an integrated fashion within the overall context of handicrafts.