This was stated to Dr. Raghav Langer Chief Executive Officer J&KERA / JTFRP during his visit to the said handicraft clusters here today. The project has been taken up under restoration and strengthening of livelihood component of the World Bank funded Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project and Department of Industries and Commerce is the Project Implementation Unit for the component. CEO ERA / JTFRP was informed by officials of Handicraft Department that so far comprehensive skill assessment of the artisans skilled in the traditional crafts of Embroidery (crewel, chain-stitch) and Papier Machie has been done and artisan have been categorized according to their level of skill by the consultants who have been engaged for the purpose and now the focus is being given on the upgradation of the skills of the artisans and for which recently a workshop was organized for the artisans wherein they were imparted latest trainings on product design and color schemes to be adopted while designing a product. It will be followed by providing artisans with improved market linkages with assured supply order worth Rs 3 crores for each provide them with platforms to participate and exhibit their crafts in major exhibitions. The creation of artisan database and creation civil infrastructure in the said handicrafts clusters areas is also included in the overall project.

Later CEO ERA / JTFRP also visited Solina Silk Factory wherein Officer was shown various sections of the Filature which has been established way back in 1939. A consultancy services for preserving the heritage value of the unit its landscaping and exploring opportunities for setting up of the Haat in the premises is also being carried out under the said project.

Ghulam Qadir, General Manager, Joinery Mill , Pampore , Nodal Officers of JTFRP/ handicrafts department accompanied CEO ERA/JTFRP during the visit.