Rs 2.7 crore allocated, Rs 70 lakh already spent: VC KVIB Dr Hina Bhat

Pampore: In a bid to promote rural industries and empower local artisans, the Jammu and Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) organised an awareness programme for artisans at the Vitasta Hosiery Cluster in Frestabal Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday.
The event received a significant boost with the presence of Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice-Chairperson of J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board who emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This is a golden opportunity for employment, whether it be through the Government of India or the Government of J&K UT schemes in every household, regardless of gender, should have the opportunity to earn a livelihood.”
The event witnessed the active participation of Divisional Officer Kashmir, Rashid Ahmad Qadri, and Mushtaq Ahmad, the Incharge Officer of Pulwama, alongside key officials such as OSD Muzaffar Alaqbandh and Fouzia Nabi PA to Dr Hina Shafi Bhat.
This programme served as a vital platform for numerous artisans from the Pampore area and various stakeholders. Their active engagement underscored the significance of nurturing local talent and bolstering village industries in the region.
The Vitasta Hosiery Cluster in Kashmir marks a significant milestone as the first cluster established in Pampore, boasting a membership of 350 artisans.
The funding for this cluster has been generously provided by the Government of India, with a total allocation of 2.7 crore rupees, of which 70 lakh rupees have already been disbursed, Dr Hina Shafi Bhat told Kashmir Reader.
Dr Bhat reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing employment opportunities, stating, “The Government of India is investing heavily in Kashmir to ensure that no one is unemployed, and numerous schemes are being provided for the unemployed. This pioneering initiative aims to empower local artisans, particularly women, and elevate the hosiery industry in the region.”
The KV Chairperson told Kashmir Reader that the Vitasta Hosiery Cluster is being established in Kashmir, specifically in the Pampore area, for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Many artisans, especially young women, are involved in this initiative. The funds for this project have been provided by the Government of India with the aim of enabling the girls in the Pampore area, as well as artisans from approximately 10 different areas of Pampore, to earn their livelihood,” she said, adding, “In all districts of Jammu and Kashmir, you will find some form of craftsmanship or artisans.”
These artisans may not have learned colours or designs in any formal institute, however, their skill and artistry are their main source of income, she said, adding that whether it’s Sozni embroidery or various other crafts, there are numerous different artisans here.
Their efforts are to establish such clusters in every district, and some are already in progress or completed, she said.
Dr Hina further said there are 2 to 3 clusters pending in Jammu and Kashmir. With clusters like these emerging across various districts, the aspiration is for a thriving market of locally crafted hosiery products, including caps, shawls, sweaters, and mufflers, benefiting both the artisans and the regional economy, she said.

KR Desk