Srinagar, December 15: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with HDFC Bank organised Awareness Programme on Kashmir Handicrafts at Srinagar on Saturday. According to a statement issued to KNO, Shantamanu, Development Commissioner Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles was Chief Guest and Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (I.A.S) was Guest of Honour at the event.
Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, President, KCC&I, Zubair Iqbal, Sr. Vice President, HDFC Bank, Syed Sajad Qadri General Manager, DIC, Srinagar, Zubair Ahmad, Director, Indian Institute of Carpet Technology/ Craft Development Institute, Sajad Naqash, Jt. Director, Handicrafts was also shared the dias. While speaking on the occasion Shantamanu, DCH assured all help and support to artisans and exporters of J&K. Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Deputy Commissioner while speaking on the event announced 20 Kanals land has identified for Handicraft village and the land was developed also for the tourist attraction. Zubair Iqbal said that the HDFC Bank has already given 250 Crore loans to MSME and handicraft Sector in J&K. Zubair Ahmad, Director, IICT informed the audience about the testing Lab already functioning at Baghi Ali Mardan Khan, Srinagar.
Jt. Director Industries while speaking on the occasion said that the Government have been approached for sanction of registration of Handicrafts sector under MSME and approval is expected soon. Mushtaq Ahmad of Handicraft Department highlighted awareness about the schemes available with the Handicraft Department, Govt. of J&K.
President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry put forth proposals for Market access schemes be extended to KCC&I and demanded Raw material Bank for silk be enhanced to cater the president demand. Shantamanu, DCH assured the session will look into the matter and will expedite from his end. Various exporters, traders, artisans asked questions which were answered to the satisfaction of all.(KNO)