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Handicrafts
Handicraft activities occupy an important position in the economic structure of J&K State. Being environment friendly, these activities are best suited to the state as they are more labour intensive and less capital intensive in nature, thus having scope for employment generation at a large scale. The Kashmir handicraft products have earned worldwide fame for their attractive designs, functional utility and high quality craftsmanship. In absence of other manufacturing industries in the state, handicrafts remained a key economic activity from time immemorial. The artistic imagination and craftsmanship of the Artisans reflected through a wide range of products, has delighted the connoisseurs world over for centuries. Crafts like Shawls, Crewel, Namdha, Chain Stitch, Wood Carving, Papier Machie, Costume Jewellery, Kani Shawls and the Carpets hold a significant share in the overall production and export of the State. Silken carpets in particular constitute a specialty having no parallel in quality and design at national level and, therefore, occupy an important position in the international market. The handicraft sector of the state has great contribution towards foreign exchange earnings of the country.
As on 31.03.2014 there were 3005 handicrafts societies registered with a membership of 15084. The department provides Managerial subsidy on tapering basis @100% first year, 66%, 2nd year; and 33%, 3rd year to the pass out trainees which is paid for formation of cooperative societies. During the year 2014-15, 82 societies have been formed with a membership of 902 by the end of November, 2014.
The department also promotes sale of handicraft goods by organizing expos/exhibition/craft bazaars within and outside the state. It also organizes exhibition at international level annually. During the year 2014-15, the department has organized 5 craft bazaars/exhibitions within & outside the state by the end of Nov., 2014.
Another important area of activity is skill development. Around 8500 persons are trained annually through 553 training centres in the state. During the year 2014-15 (ending Nov., 2014), 2925 persons have been trained in various crafts like sozni, staple, crewel, papier machie, phool kari, Zari, chain stitching etc.
Production and export of Handicrafts Goods |
(Rs. In Crore) |
Year |
Carpet |
Woolen Shawls |
Papier
Machie |
Other items |
Total |
Production |
2011-12 |
624.70 |
702.20 |
102.70 |
385.73 |
1815.33 |
2012-13 |
643.00 |
656.30 |
145.00 |
398.91 |
1843.21 |
2013-14 |
684.05 |
631.20 |
141.24 |
559.33 |
2017.82 |
Export |
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2011-12 |
567.13 |
607.03 |
98.24 |
370.97 |
1643.37 |
2012-13 |
455.86 |
620.02 |
104.11 |
358.29 |
1538.28 |
2013-14 |
551.90 |
579.72 |
39.96 |
524.07 |
1695.65 |
Self employment to individual artisans
This scheme aims at providing easy and soft credit facilities to the artisans, weavers, members of cooperative societies and craftsmen engaged in different activities to start their independent venture. The scheme envisages financial assistance in the form of loan from various banks and financial institutions. The department provides interest subsidy @10% on the loan. The department has covered 19490 artisans under this scheme with interest subsidy of Rs. 573.51 lacs disbursed during 2013-14. During current financial year 2014-15, 4947 cases have been disbursed by the end of Nov., 2014 under Credit Plan/ACC. The department has enforced quality Control Act 1978 to maintain quality of Kashmiri handicrafts.
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