Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga inaugurated the special Handloom Expo – 2015 at Kala Kendra here today.The Expo has been organized by J&K State Handloom Development Corporation Ltd (Poshish) and sponsored by Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.The Minister visited the stalls at the Expo and viewed various products displayed by the societies.Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ganga stressed on the need to give impetus to the Handloom activities being carried out in the state. The Minister laid emphasis on improving the living standard of the skilled weavers scattered in far flung areas of the state. He said government is committed towards the economic upliftment of weavers and artisans and asked officials to reach out to weavers and artisans especially residing in remote and far flung areas.
Responding to various demands put forth by the members of various associations of Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister assured early redress of all genuine demands on priority.The Minister also directed the concerned officials to give wide publicity to the Expo.MD JKHDC, Anal Kumar Gupta highlighted the initiatives taken by the Centre and state governments to boost handloom industry in the state. He said presently around 2500 weavers and artisans are directly or indirectly associated with HDC.JKHDC has allotted 40 stalls to accommodate 58 societies in the Expo recommended by the Directorates of Handloom and Handicrafts Development Department.Among others, Secretary, Industries, R K Bhagat, Secretary, KVIB, Afroz Mir, Director, Handloom Development Department, Rakesh Sharma, MD, JKHDC, Anal Kumar Gupta, concerned officers, members of various societies and weavers, artisans were present on the occasion.