Srinagar: Vice Chairman Handicrafts and Handloom  Nizam-ud-Din Bhat has expressed concern over the declining prospects for Pashmina Shawls weaving and Marketing.

Interacting with union leaders of Handicrafts industry, Bhat admitted that continous and free use of power looms is coming as a setback to locally woven Pashmina Shawls, seriously impacting the morale of the weavers and embroiders.

He said while Corporation of Handloom and Handicrafts Corporations have very little role in sustaining of the local art and craft. The departments established for promotion of Handloom and Handicrafts will have to come to the rescue of the weavers and the craftsmen for protecting the industry. He said they will have to instill confidence among the people that Kashmir Art continues to hold prime place in our culture and economy.

Bhat said unfortunately ban of  Shahtush also has squeezed the avenues for the artisans and the weavers and it will be in the interest of sustaining local Handicrafts and Handloom that the decision is revived.

He said that Directorates of Handloom and Handicrafts have several projects in hand which are aimed at weaving and manufacturing of traditional goods which used to earn fame to Kahsmir Art. He expressed hope that appropriate activity will take place for manufacturing, weaving and business.

Bhat said both the departments have to take the unions and associations of artisans and weavers on board for seeking their support to sustain and promote Kashmir arts and crafts.

He said the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has been directing Industries Ministry to take all possible measures to encourage the weavers and artisans through proper training, facilities and availability of incentives. “It is on her directions that the industries ministry is on job to hold exhibitions for promotion and market avenues and also reach out to International market through expos and appropriate projection of Kashmir Art,”he said.

Bhat  said Chief Minister has also been generous in granting assistance to corporations  of Handicrafts and Handloom for extending business avenues of the woven and manufactured items so that thousands of families involved in Art and Craft do get decadence and sustain interest in art and craft.

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