The JK Handloom Development Corporation has set itself a substantial sales target of Rs 40 crore for the current financial year.This was stated at the 64th Board of Directors meeting of the Corporation held at Civil Secretariat on Monday under the chairmanship of Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash Ganga.The target is nearly three times greater than the last financial year’s target set at 13.94 crore rupees.
The Minister said that the Corporation is tapping into new markets by aspiring to provide quality handloom products within minimum timeframes.The meeting was informed that the Corporation has completed an order worth 2.5 crore rupees from the Police Department within record time with the latter appreciating the Corporation for the product quality and timely supply of the order.The Minister said that the Corporation work in on upswing and it has been able to acquire several orders including ones from the Shrine Board and the Disaster Management Corporation.
The meeting was also informed that the Corporation targets production of 100 lakh meters of woollen fabric, which is twice as much as the target set previously.
The Minister asked the Corporation to design and submit a proposal for upgrading of looms so that the required modernization of looms is taken at the earliest. He also directed for linking of handloom clusters in the State with the Corporation.The meeting also discussed the revival of the Corporation’s factory in Samba, observing that its revival will help boost production.The meeting also discussed several other initiatives taken by the Corporation towards sustainability and progress. Notably, the Board was informed that the Corporation is involved in re-creation of 600 antique Pashmina Shawl designs and has been able to re-create around 250 designs so far. While appreciating its efforts, the Minister asked the Corporation to approach the CDI for immediate digitization of these designs.He emphasized the importance of innovations in technique and design but also stressed on ensuring total commitment to quality and authenticity of products produced in the State.Vice Chairman JKHDC, Nizam-u-Din Bhat, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Department, Shailendra Kumar, Managing Director JKHDC, Rakesh Sharma, among other Board members were present in the meeting.