Karkhandar Skill training scheme to boost Jammu & Kashmir’s luxuriant craft sector

The pilot scheme taken up by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir will identify and impart skill up-gradation training in crafts that are in want of human resources such as walnut wood carving, carpet design, Kani shawl weaving, silver filigree Khatamband and Papier Machie.

In a bid to upscale the craft learning, design techniques and improve the earnings of young artisans, the Karkhandar Scheme, envisaged by the J&K Government will instill entrepreneurship qualities in them from the scratch. The project has certainly created a newfound zeal in the budding and seasoned artisans alike.

Hailing it as a landmark decision Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir said that it would give a fresh lease of life to the craft industry of UT and especially to the languishing crafts.

The vision of the Karkhandar Scheme is to encourage people to enroll so that they can acquire skill up-gradation training in various crafts. The training will be imparted by meritorious trainees from training centers run by Handicrafts and Handloom Department or ex-trainees.

A minimum of five trainees for an identified small Karkhana and a maximum of 10 trainees far identified big Karkhana. After registration, the Bank accounts of trainees will be opened under Jan Dhan Yojana with a complete database of the identified trainees to be maintained, including  Aadhar number, EPIC number, bank account number.

All necessary logistics in the shape of tools, equipment, looms, raw material, space, and so forth shall be provided by the identified Karkhandar. These Karkhandars shall be provided with a lump sum of Rs.25,000/- per batch in two installments for the expenditure of all logistics to run the training program successfully.

After evaluating the trainees through an approved qualifying framework devised for skill up-gradation level. The sum of Rs 2000 per trainee per month will be rewarded to Karkhandars for Logistic Charges as well as an honorarium to meritorious trainees.