Divya Delhi:
Jammu and Kashmir has recorded over 4.52 lakh artisan registrations, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen its handicrafts and handloom sector, officials said on Thursday. The development comes alongside an expansion of training and capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). The figures were shared during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, which assessed progress and outlined a future roadmap for promoting traditional crafts in the Union Territory. According to Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, around 17,000 artisans and weavers were registered in the previous year alone, taking the total count beyond 4.52 lakh. The government aims to further streamline registration processes to ensure wider coverage and better access to welfare schemes. Officials highlighted that the collaboration with NIFT is focused on enhancing design innovation, skill upgradation, and market linkages for artisans. Training programmes are being tailored to equip craftspeople with modern techniques while preserving traditional skills. The administration also emphasised improving infrastructure, boosting exports, and increasing global visibility of J&K’s crafts. With sustained policy support and institutional partnerships, the Union Territory is aiming to generate employment opportunities and strengthen livelihoods in the sector.
