Minister for Social Welfare, ARI & Trainings and Science & Technology, Sajad Gani Lone, today said the government is paying focused attention to encourage women artisans.Lone was speaking during his visit to the 10-day handicrafts and handloom products exhibition at Kala Kendra Jammu organized by J&K State Women’s Development Corporation (JKWDC) in collaboration with National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC).Lone was accompanied by Minister of State for Housing & Urban Development, Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education Asiea Naqash, MLA Anjum Fazili and Chairperson JKWDC, Dr Naheed Soz.The Minister said the government is making efforts to support endeavors of the female artisans and provide them with necessary training to hone their skills. The Minister appreciated the hard work, dedication and commitment of women artisans to become self reliant and live a respectable life in the society. He impressed upon the women to come forward and take advantage of the state and centrally sponsored schemes for their socio-economic empowerment.
While interacting with the participating artisans displaying their crafts at the exhibition, the Minister said that government is also exploring additional avenues for marketing such products. Special attention is also being paid to women artisans hailing from far flung, rural areas associated with J&K State Women Development Corporation, he said.The Minister said it is a proud moment to see females taking initiatives and working towards becoming successful entrepreneurs.The Minister also distributed cheques worth Rs 69.05 lakh among 30 artisans as an amount of sanctioned loan besides participation certificates were also given.The JKWDC has set up fifty stalls for 100 artisans to provide market support to its loan scheme beneficiaries. Various products displayed in the exhibition include embroidered products, sozni, crewal items, knitting works, jute items etc.