Handicrafts, Handlooms depts fail to promote art: Artisans

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 8

The Departments of Handicrafts and Handlooms that generally organise exhibitions in potential areas of markets regularly have failed to come up with a promotion policy for artisans.

The Jammu Artisans and Weavers Association alleges that the neglect of art and its potential promotion by the departments is leaving workers jobless.

“This year not a single exhibition was held by the departments, which generally promoted our business and its outreach programme. Besides, there are many issues, like providing of space and area to build shops, which have not been taken up by the departments creating hardships for the artisans,” said Balkrishan Koul, convener, Jammu Weavers and Artisans Association.

He said the Union government in the past had released Rs3 crore each for establishing two Urban Haats on 70:30 pattern in Jammu and Kashmir. While Kashmir Haat had been completed, but no initiative had been taken for Jammu Haat.

“Besides, Jammu artisans are put to many hardships by the departments that ask for papers and documents whenever we take up any issue with them. Some are even suggested by the department officials to pack up their businesses in return of small amount to them,” alleged Balkrishan.

The convener allege that financial crisis in the departments are major reasons for not solving artisans’ problems. The association had also approached the former Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, who had assured to look into their grievances.

“We recently have submitted a memorandum to the L-G as well as Divisional Commissioner and the latter has assured of meeting us next week,” said Balkrishan.

Artisans demand that both the parent departments of Handlooms and Handicrafts should take up the issues of dying art and hold regular exhibitions of the rare works. Paper mache, Kashmir shawls and carpets, wood carving and Basholi paintings are some of the products which are promoted by both the departments.

“We are holding regular exhibitions along with other departments. If any association or individual has any problem, they should approach us straight. The departments are working well in all fields,” said Inderjeet, Director, Handicrafts, J&K.