Why in news:

• Recently, the government of Jammu and Kashmir unveiled the ‘Karkhandar’ scheme.
• This is a significant development as the move signifies an attempt for giving a fresh impetus to the training in handicraft sector in the Union Territory.
• The move is being seen as a unique concept as far the upliftment of artisans and weavers through training is concerned.
  
   

Key Points

• The scheme will be implemented throughout the UT by Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu and Kashmir.
• In precise terms, the scheme will grant support to the local artisans and weavers.
• It will help to promote the traditional handicraft work and art of Jammu and Kashmir.
• This is being touted as a landmark decision that will give a fresh lease of life to the craft scene of the UT and especially to the languishing crafts.
• The scheme will boost the crafts having good potential and also the crafts which are languishing ones will also be promoted through the scheme.
• The scheme will identify and impart training to the crafts which are lacking in the human resource factor.
• Such arts include walnut wood carving, silver filigree, carpet, Kani shawl weaving, Khatamband and paper machine crafts.
•  Among the languishing crafts the crafts like Glazed tiles, Silver ware and filligree will be taken on for full revival in the first instance.
• One of the major positive outcomes of the scheme will be that the manpower that is generated on a routine basis through various training programmes by the department in the form of trainees will now get a competitive edge.
• This will be ensured as the trainees will get training from the experienced trainers in nearby karkhanas and those trainers now can be National/ State/ Shilp Guru awardees/ Master crafts person of repute in their respective crafts.
• The main thrust of the scheme shall be to identify and impart skill upgradation training in such crafts which are facing human resource crunch like walnut wood carving, silver filigree, carpet, kanishawl weaving, khatamband and Paper Machie crafts.
• Under the scheme the meritorious trainees will be given RS 2000/month as honorarium and the trainer will get Rs 2000/month for each trainee and plus Rs 25000/- for logistics, raw materials etc.
• The aim of this scheme is to transfer the skill set of the master craftsmen to the younger generation as this was a general observation that the skill transfer from the master craftsmen to the younger generation was not happening at an adequate pace.
• By virtue of this scheme, the practical knowledge sharing between the skilled and those who want to equip themselves in the practical aspects of the particular trade will happen at a fast pace and in a time bound manner.
• This scheme is in addition to some already launched major schemes that include Artisan Credit Card Scheme and Scheme of Financial Assistance to the Cooperatives for the artisans and weavers of the UT.
• The scheme will revive the languishing crafts, impart training to the local artisans and weavers, increase their income source, provide linkage with producer organizations, develop entrepreneurship skills.