SRINAGAR: In order to have an idea of measures being taken to upgrade the skill set of traditional Craft Artisans with innovative design techniques in sync with changing market demands, besides widening the ambit of market linkage to uplift their socio-economic conditions, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad undertook a visit to Craft Museum, School of Designing at Kashmir Haat here today.
On the occasion, the DC along with the Artisans took round of the Craft Museum and inspected different compartments housing a collection of antique artefacts from several Kashmiri traditions including Kani Shawls, Papier-Mache, Sozni Embroidery, Copperware, Namdha and Carpets. He also took a glimpse of features of live demonstrations of Kashmiri handicrafts—such as Wicker Willow, Copperware, Turquoise ware, Walnut Wood carving, Tapestry, Tila Embroidery etc being made.
He also visited the Design Development Institute, which works on creating innovative designs in traditional crafts.
On the occasion, the DC asked the concerned to submit a proposal for conducting short term crash courses for the Artisans so that they are familiarised with modern market driven designing developments in line with traditional heritage and culture. He also asked them to explore better market avenues outside Jammu and Kashmir, besides facilitating Sale-cum-Exhibition to uplift the living standards of the Artisans by improving the economic conditions.
While acknowledging the skills of the Artisans associated with Copperware, the DC said there is a requirement that Artisans acquire new skills that help them to produce better craft designs to adjust with changing market demands. He said the training through Crash courses will also help them to learn new skills and improve the one already artisan have. He said
Copperware is not only one of the basic Crafts but acclaimed at National as well as at International market for different utilities.
The DC assured Artisans of providing all possible support from the District Administration by proper hand holding through different Government schemes to promote the authentic handmade copperware. He also said that the task of identifying the misbranding and other activities aimed at misrepresentation of original crafts of Kashmir shall be taken up on priority by the Quality Control Division.
The DC said Kashmir has one of the richest craft traditions, particularly the Srinagar city is hub of this centuries old rich craft culture which needs to be preserved and a dynamic link of the industry with the market has to be established.
Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen Lone, Deputy Director Handicrafts, Mirza Shahid, Chief Designer, School of Design, Aamina Asad, representative from Mission Youth and other concerned officers, besides a group of Artisans associated with Copperware of Shahar e Khaas accompanied the DC during his visit.

KR Desk