In response to a Starred Question on the matter of setting up a Permanent Exhibition of Kashmiri Arts and Crafts in Kashmir, the Union Textile Minister Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar (Independent Charge) told Prof. Soz today that Govt. of India had already moved in this direction and announced a programme for Pashmina promotion in J&K in the budget proposals 2014-15.According to a statement issued to KNS, the Minister also said that a Trade Facilitation Centre at Srinagar with a total project cost of Rs. 12.30 Crore has been approved by the Government under Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS). Now, the J&K (S&E Corporation), Srinagar has been identified as the implementing agency for the said project.
The Minister has told Prof. Soz that as per the scheme guidelines, the land will be contributed by the implementing agency.Pursuant to his (Prof. Soz's) oral question, it has been suggested to the Minister by Prof. Soz, through a written communication that Govt. of India should, first of all, commit itself to provide funds for raising infrastructure within a premises where it will be possible for properly identified artisans and craftsmen to produce artefacts and display these as a permanent situation. Prof. Soz also told the Minister that it was but natural that the land for the Permanent Exhibition would be provided by Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir. (KNS)