Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) district president & MLC Mohammad Khurshid Alam has demanded waiver of Artisan Loans in the valley and Srinagar in particular.While interacting a delegation of Artisans from Srinagar Alam said that Artisans are backbone of trade of the Vally and people in large in the state and particularly in Srinagar depend on this trade for their livelihood. He said that there is no amobiguity that if the economic condition of these artisans is to be improved then it can be dome only by increasing their income and it is true that despite various initiatives taken their condition has still deteriorated due to some unprecedented situations like 2014 deluge and recent uprising making them huge losses.Appealing the government for waiving of their loans Alam said that it is the obligation to ensure the welfare of these artisans and PDP is committed for their upliftment.
He said that the poor artisans whose dwellings and craft units were devastated in the floods are struggling for survival in addition to huge losses due to last year unrest.“At a time when thousands of artisans are finding it hard to earn two square meals a day for their family the bank authorities are threatening them to pay instalments, Alam said that it has become very difficult for them to encourage others to become Arisans.Alam said that loan waiver can bring some relief to these suffering artisans and government should initiate some concerete step for their wellbeing.Appealing the Hon’ble Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti and Finance Minister of the state to have some special approach towards the plight of these Artisans Alam said that the vision envisaged by PDP founder and patron late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for their development and upliftment should be utilized and announce of amnesty be made for total waiver of their loan amount so that these people may get relief from agony and distress and also get some succor be provided to restart their trade and business. (CNS)