Srinagar- The Union Territory Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Saturday that the handicraft sector in Jammu and Kashmir has recorded an unprecedented growth in the last three months registering Rs 729 crore worth export despite the instability in the global market.

Presenting the UT level award to the artisans at Raj Bhavan auditorium here on Saturday, the LG said that his administration has taken several important steps to boost the handicraft and handloom sector. He also congratulated all the award winners for their commendable service to preserve and promote priceless cultural and artistic heritage.

“We are committed to provide training, design, technology, financial and other infrastructure support that will significantly contribute to the growth of this sector and earnings of artisans,” he added.

Sinha said that an unprecedented growth has been recorded in the last three months and this sector has registered Rs 729 crore worth export despite the instability in the global market and it shows the collective efforts of artisans and handicraft department.

“More than 3 lakh artisans are registered with the department. Number of steps like enhanced financial assistance, 7% interest subvention, training, assistance to 3000 Self Help Groups and cooperative societies have been taken to accelerate the development of this sector,” he said.

The LG also spoke about the other efforts of the administration such as GI tagging, labeling, brand building, incentives to increase exports and ensure access to the global market.

“The Department has launched e-commerce platforms to empower the artisans,” he said, adding “Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, J&K has set a new record in Village Industrial Unit. In the last financial year, 1.73 lakh new jobs were generated under PMEGP alone,”

On this occasion, Sinha directed the Department of Handlooms and Handicrafts to develop a mechanism for further increasing the export in the sector and changing the lives of artisans and craftsmen.

Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Prashant Goyal, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Biduri, other senior officers of Handicraft & Handloom Department, besides large gathering of awardees and artisans were present on this occasion.

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