The Handicrafts & Handloom Department, Kupwara today organized a one day awareness camp at Zachaldara Handwara to raise awareness among the participants regarding various welfare schemes and programmes offered by the department. The camp was inaugurated by Tehsildar Zachildara, Shahbaz Ahmad Akhoon in presence of AD Handicrafts & Handloom Kupwara, Mohammad Yousuf Lone and BDC Rajwar.
Addressing the artisans, the AD said that main aim of organizing the camp is to aware the artisans about various handicraft and handloom activities like handloom weaving, Kani Shawl weaving, Putto weaving chain stitch, crewel, embroidery, wood carving, paper mache, Zarin, Tapestry, willow wicker and carpet.
He directed the concerned Officers to make sure that newly formulated schemes for artisans percolate down to the target public. He also directed the entrepreneurs and societies to avail the benefits of the departmental schemes. Mohammad Yousuf Lone on the occasion, highlighted the achievements made by the department during the current fiscal and said that the department has provided interest subsidy, financial assistance of more than Rs 1.2 crore to the artisan community of District Kupwara for setting up their own income generating units.
The AD said that the department is also providing Rs 1500 and Rs 1000 monthly stipend to the trainees during the training period of one year and two years. He further said that the department also provides financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh for the formulation of cooperative self help groups.
The AD Handicrafts appealed to the artisans and trainees to come forward for taking benefits of the state and central sponsored welfare schemes for better livelihood. Other speakers including Tehsildar and BDC Chairperson also spoke and shared their thoughts with the participants.