The review of the handicrafts and handloom sector, chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, reflects a thoughtful and timely effort to strengthen one of Jammu and Kashmir’s most valuable traditional sectors. Handicrafts and handlooms are not only important sources of livelihood for thousands of families but also carry the region’s artistic legacy, cultural identity, and historic craftsmanship. Any meaningful attempt to support this sector, therefore, has significance that goes beyond economics. It is also about preserving heritage, supporting artisans, and helping traditional skills remain relevant and sustainable in changing times.
The emphasis placed on skilling and capacity building is especially important. The direction to make non-functional training centres operational across districts can help ensure that artisans and craftsmen continue to receive structured support and opportunities to improve their skills. Aligning these centres with the National Skills Qualification Framework is also a constructive step, as it can give training greater formal recognition and improve the value of certification for artisans. In the long term, this approach can encourage younger generations to view traditional crafts not as fading occupations but as meaningful and respected professions. The focus on financial inclusion is another encouraging aspect of the roadmap. For many artisans and weavers, the challenge is not lack of skill but lack of easy access to affordable financial support. The effort to increase artisan registrations on the Udyam portal and connect them with the Reserve Bank of India’s Unified Lending Interface can make a real difference. It opens the possibility of bringing more artisans into the formal economic system and helping them access credit for expansion, raw materials, and improved production. The suggestion to explore a dedicated term loan product for the sector, similar to what is available in agriculture, also reflects a practical and supportive approach. The attention given to geographical indication tagging and QR-based traceability is equally meaningful. Jammu and Kashmir’s traditional crafts are known for their authenticity and excellence, but they are also vulnerable to imitation and counterfeit products. Measures that strengthen GI protection and ensure traceability can help preserve the originality of these crafts and improve trust among buyers. The fact that Jammu and Kashmir has secured GI tags across its entire range of traditional crafts is a matter of distinction, and the effort to make the QR-based management system fully operational can further strengthen the identity and market value of these products. The broader institutional initiatives discussed in the meeting also reflect a more balanced vision for sectoral growth. Collaboration with institutions such as NIFT, the development of craft villages, common facility centres, raw material depots, and the upgradation of laboratories can help create a stronger support structure for artisans. Traditional sectors now need not only preservation but also quality improvement, design support, technology integration, and better access to markets. These interventions suggest an understanding that heritage-based industries must also be equipped to compete and grow in a modern economy. The figures shared during the meeting add further depth to the discussion. More than 4.52 lakh artisans and weavers are now registered across Jammu and Kashmir; around 17,000 new registrations were recorded during the previous year and nearly 12,600 individuals have received training through departmental centres. More than 2,400 cases have been sanctioned under the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, while 46 karkhanas have been set up under the Karkhandar Scheme with government assistance of Rs 185.79 lakh. These numbers indicate that steady efforts are being made to build a more organized and supportive ecosystem for the sector.
In a wider sense, the handicrafts and handloom sector in Jammu and Kashmir stands at the meeting point of livelihood, culture, and identity. Strengthening it requires not only policy attention but also continuity, sensitivity, and careful implementation. The recent review meeting can therefore be seen as a positive and reassuring step. If the roadmap discussed is pursued with consistency and commitment, it can help ensure that the traditional crafts of Jammu and Kashmir remain protected, respected, and economically vibrant, while continuing to support artisans and preserve the cultural richness of the region for generations to come.