Srinagar March 23:(KNS)     State award in the Handicrafts sector were today conferred upon the artisans of the valley in a simple but impressive function here today by Baseer Ahmad Khan, Advisor to the LG at Kashmir Haat Exhibition Ground Srinagar. The awards were given in the categories that included Sozni, Carpet, Papier Machie, Crewel, Willow Wicker and Languishing / Innovative crafts.
 In the sozni category the 1st prize that included a citation and an award money of Rs 50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) was given Posthumously to Gh. Rasool Rather S/o Mohd. Ibrahim R/o Mandibal Nowshehra Sgr. 
The 2nd and 3 rd prize in the same category was conferred upon Safder Ali Mir & Ajaz Ahmad Dar of Budgam and Ganderbal respectively.
In the category of Carpet Ali Muhammad Ganaie S/o Ab. Jabbar R/o Chattabal was given the 1 st prize.
 In the same category the 2nd prize was conferred upon Gh. Mohammad Jan. The Papier Machie segment the 1st prize was given to Gh. Mohi- d-din Dar S/o Ab. Rehman Dar R/o Khushaalsar, Zadibal Sgr. 
The 2nd & 3rd Prize in the same P/Machie segment was bagged by Altaf Hussain Bhat & Syed Inayat respectively. In the Willow Wicker category the 1st prize of Rs 50,000/- was bestowed upon Gh. Mohd. Magray S/o Ab. Khaliq R/o Ganderbal.
Ruby Jan of Kawadara Srinagar bagged the State Award in Crewel craft while as Abdul Maid Shah of Nawa Kadal Srinagar was bestowed upon the state award in languishing and innovative craft category.

Congratulating the awardees the advisor to LG assured them of strong hand holding and providing every viable marketing opportunity in the Exhibitions within and outside the UT. 
The visiting dignitary also gave on spot directions to make Kashmir Haat vibrant and lively. He also assured artisan community of all possible support so that the marginalization of artisans does not happen. He stressed upon preserving this unique skill that is responsible for the production of World famous Shawls, Papier Machie, Carpets and Wood works. He also underscored the need of brand building and launching of e- commerce platforms for the sale of authentic handicraft products.
Earlier, Director Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir Mahmood Ahmad Shah apprised the visiting dignitary about the welfare schemes of the Department that have been announced recently under LGs administration for the artisan fraternity that include the enhancement of credit facilities under Artisan credit card scheme and special grant under cooperative society scheme .(KNS)