Budgam August 07:(KNS)  Designs needs to be contemporary and all hand made products shall be made. There are new challenges, customers during present scenario has vast choice in choosing his/her interested product.

These remarks were made by Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce government of UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Rangan Prakesh while addressing the 7th National Handloom day at Craft Tourist Village Kanihama in a colorful function organized jointly by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and District Administration Budgam.

The daylong event was also attended by Director of Handloom and Handicrafts, Mehmood
Ahmad Shah as host and Akramullah Tak, ADDC Budgam as Guest of honor.
Mr. Ranjan Prakash Pr. Secretary in his speech further said that weavers under present scenario
had to face lot of Challenges as world has changed and the customers had vast options and
choices available. He said focus shall be on mass awareness as publicity and demonstration
under present circumstances are proving pivotal pillars in selling products at national and
international level.

Regarding craft village Kanihama Mr Prakash said being located at prime spot connecting
world famous tourist resort of Gulmarg, It shall be our aim and objective to ensure that any
tourist visiting Gulmarg shall embark here also and visit this centre. The Visit not only will
enhance purchasing, it will also boost publicity of this famous product globally.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director Handicrafts and Handloom Mehmood Ahmed Shah
presented a detailed curtain raiser of establishing of craft village Kanihama. He said apart from
boosting the potential and talent of weavers of Kani Shawl our motive is to give national and
international market directly to the weavers, curb and control the approaches of touts and
middleman who often with this nefarious designs have diminished the image and authenticity of
this precious product. He said Government for the advantages and monetary benefits to the
small weavers is going to introduce many beneficial schemes like Education Scheme policy
of small weavers has bunch of incentives for their children.

Guest of Honor ADDC Mr Akramullah Tak on the occasion said that 90% work on Kanihama
craft village has already been completed remaining 10% will be completed within 2 months.
He said out of 2.59 Cr project cost, till date 1.3 Crs have been spent. He said craft village
centre has been provided with many basic facilities establishing of CFC, renovation, cafeteria, establishing demonstration centre , improvement of water supply, power supply, beautification
of surroundings, improvement of approaching roads.

Earlier on his arrival Mr Rangan Prakash Pr Secretary accompanied by Director Handicrafts
and Handloom ,ADDC Budgam, ACD and other District Officers inspected the stalls
established by many National award winners for hand weaving products. He appreciated and
hailed the efforts and interest of weavers for their comittement and participation in huge
gathering for this unique Art. Mr. Prakash also visited demonstration centers where weavers on
spot show cased their weaving skill.(KNS)