Describing handicrafts as the economic strength of Jammu & Kashmir, the Chief Minister, Mr Omar Abdullah, has stressed on the need for amalgamation of modern trends with traditional art and craft forms to attract the world market.

The Chief Minister, after inaugurating a 15-day craft mela at Kashmir Haat here, also stressed on proper utilisation of Kashmir Haat for the promotion of handicrafts and to provide opportunities to artisans to sell their handicraft items directly, eliminating the need for middlemen, who take the lion's share of their hard work.

He told the Handicrafts Department to organised regular activities in the Haat, with mega handicrafts melas once or twice in a year.

The Chief Minister also underlined the need for a symbiotic relationship between the artisans of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.

“During the summers, you can invite your counterparts from the rest of the country and ask them to earn with you here. They can reciprocate it by inviting you to their States during winter months for business,” he said.

This would create a direct liaison between craftsmen of the State with artisans in other parts of the country and would open new vistas of economic welfare, he added.

Stressing on the need for maintaining the quality of products, Mr Abdullah said some elements were tarnishing the image of the world famous Kashmir handicrafts industry by indulging in unscrupulous practices.

“While the Government would keep constant vigil on their activities, you have also responsibility to report such elements for severe actions,” he said, highlighting the need for transparency and honesty in the trade.

The Chief Minister also called for a strategy to draw tourists visiting Kashmir to Kashmir Haat by creating new attractions and facilities there.

Speaking at inauguration, State Minister for Industries, Mr S.S. Slathia, spelt out the measures the Government has taken to promote the Kashmir handicrafts sector and ensure the welfare of its artisans.

The Government has increased the stipend of artisans in craft centres, he said, adding that the Government has also raised the reward amount given to outstanding artisans from Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000.

Similarly, the loan facility available to handicrafts units has also been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.

The mela, at which artisans from the State and all over India are participating, has been organised by the Dastkari Simiti. As many as 70 stalls showcasing different handicrafts from within the State and outside have been set up.

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