Director Handloom Development Department Babila Rakwal today distributed 40 looms among weavers of Mahanpur cluster, Basholi, Kathua who are associated with manufacturing of pashmina shawls, mufflers, stoles etc.Assistant Director Handloom Development Department Kathua Haroon Naik, Assistant Director, Weaver Service Centre Tahir Ahmed Hakim and Secretary M/s Hari Om, Pashmina, Handloom WICS Ishar Dass besides a large number of weavers were present on the occasion.Director HDD said that the department has imparted training of weaving/designing to the weavers besides providing work sheds to them.She said that the government is taking various steps in this direction to revive the cottage industry of Basohli and distribution of looms amongst the weavers is a step forward in this regard. She mentioned that the Pashmina shawls are available in various colours/shades ranging from semi black to camel colour shades.The cluster has been established under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) by the Ministry of Textiles, GOI. At present around 203 weavers are associated with the said cluster. The distribution of looms amongst the weavers shall act as a catalyst in enhancing the productivity of handloom products. The Block level cluster Mahanpur Kathua was sanctioned in the year 2017-18 at an approved cost of Rs 210.87 lakh.M/s Hari Om Pashmina, Handloom Weaver Industrial Cooperative Society (WICS), Nagrota Preta, Kathua is the implementing agency of the said cluster.