Inspecting the functioning of the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology and Craft development Institute at Nowshera, the Chief Secretary said that modern technology will further facilitate designing and development of handicrafts in a big way.
Chief Secretary went around various sections of the institute and interacted with the trainees and staff. He showed keen interest in the new loom designed by the IICT that has proved comfortable for the weavers to work with. He also witnessed new designing techniques that have been evolved by the institute in various disciplines of Kashmiri handicrafts.
Madhav Lal stressed on the State handicrafts department to redouble its effort in highlighting the employment opportunities in this sector for the educated youth and opening their minds to attractive career options within this sector. “The institutes should work towards extending its expertise and support to the new generation artisans and students through skill based training programmes and workshops”, he said, adding that handicrafts offers great promise for the educated youth to venture upon and earn substantial livelihood for them and for others.
Director IICT, . Zubair Ahmad Mir briefed the Chief Secretary about the various project undertaken by the institute for revival and promotion of handicrafts in the State. He said carpet design as per market requirements together with computerized designed script (Talim) are being developed with the help of software and its services are being provided on nominal charges.
“Old traditional carpet design in the form of manually written script (Talim) is being digitized to preserve the rich heritage Kashmiri handicraft” he said adding that the institute is also running various skill and upgradation training programmes including weaving on new modern loom, computer aided carpet designing, use of dyeing technology and handling of other raw material used in the handicraft sector.
Director Craft Development Institute . Mohammad Shariq Farooqi also briefed the Chief Secretary about the projects underway in the institute to enhance the traditional skills and revitalize traditonal handicraft sector. The institute he said conducts training programmes for development of innovative Joinery in wooden furniture, pattern cutting and stitching of ladies garments computer aided designing and other craft related activities.
Various other issues related to the industry also came up for discussion during the visit.
Commissioner/Secretary Industry and Commerce, . Umang Narula, Director Handicraft, . Muzaffar Hussain and other officers were present on the occasion.
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