Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Srinagar, Nov 6 (IANS) To preserve traditional crafts, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government on Thursday approved Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s plan to start heritage and skill-based livelihood courses under the skill development department.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Office said on Thursday, “The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved the ‘Chief Minister’s Scheme for Launch of Heritage Courses’ under the Department of Skill Development.
“The scheme will revive 7 traditional craft courses in Government ITIs/Polytechnics with an intake capacity of 500 students in 25 units, with stipend for apprentices and honorarium for trainers. A step towards preserving the heritage and promoting skill-based livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir.”
The scheme is an important step to preserve traditional crafts and promote skill-based livelihoods in the Union Territory.
Apart from reviving seven traditional craft courses in Government ITIs and Polytechnics with a capacity of 500 students in 25 units, the scheme will generate special interest for the families and children of local artisans who are distancing themselves from these traditional crafts due to lack of opportunities in family businesses.
Traditional artisans, who are well-versed with the craft, can serve as trainers for the apprentices, with honorarium for them and stipend for the apprentices.
This initiative is an important step towards reviving the rich heritage of Jammu and Kashmir by empowering the youth with employable, craft-based skills.
Kashmir is known for its glorious tradition of handicrafts and the products made by skilled artisans have been bought and appreciated by craft lovers across the world.
These traditional crafts have been struggling to survive for the last few decades due to lack of market and children of local artisans looking for more lucrative occupations.
Handmade carpets, shawls, papier-mâché products, embroidered garments and bags, walnut wood furniture etc. are the main crafts for which Kashmir has been famous in the past.
Cheap machine-made products have adversely affected the survival of local crafts as it is only the discerning arts and crafts connoisseurs who understand the difference between the two.
–IANS
square/rad