Implement ban on machines, machine made products to save handicrafts: Soz
Assures artisans of full support in addressing their problems
Srinagar: The three day seminar cum workshop of Pashmina and Copper workers came to a close the other day. The seminar was held under the auspices of Majestic Voluntary Organization Kashmir in collaboration with Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India.
Prof. Saifuddin Soz MP Former Union Minister and President Pradesh Congress Committee who has evinced great interest in promotion of Kashmir handicrafts was the chief guest on the occasion. Addressing a largely attended gathering of Artisans drawn from Kashmir valley particularly down town Srinagar, Prof Soz assured them that he will take up their problems with the authorities at the helm of affairs in the government.
The main topic under discussion in the seminar was Brand Building and Promotion of Copper Wear Craft in J&K State. The leaders of the Artisans representing various Crafts particularly Copper and Pashmina explained in detail their problems and difficulties which had reduced the Community of Artisans to extreme poverty.
The main demand of Artisans has been that the use of Machines in this craft had promoted enormous difficulties for the Artisans who are facing great hardships. The Artisans of various crafts, in one voice, demanded that Machines and Machine made craft products have to be banned in J&K State, so that the world famous Handicrafts are revived to the advantage of the Artisans.
According to KNS correspondent, the Artisans also demanded the supply of Raw Materials of proper quality. They further demanded that that a permanent space be provided for production, display and sale of products and this should be done through the Government Department meant for development of Handicrafts in J&K State.
Expressing serious concerns over the harm inflicted on world renowned Kashmiri handicrafts, Prof Soz demanded that the laws in place to safeguard the handicraft industry in the state must be implemented in letter and spirit. He advocate imposition of ban on import of machines and machine made products in Kashmir in order to eliminate the causes responsible for the gradual decline of Kashmir’s traditional arts and skills.
Prof Soz assured the artisans that he will take up the issue issues and problems faced by the people in copper industry with the chief secretary, financial commissioner industry and commerce besides inviting Minister of Industries for appreciating the difficulties faced by the Artisans in Kashmir.
On this occasion, the PCC president thanked ministry of textiles government of India for taking interest in promotion of arts and crafts of Kashmir. He also congratulated and thanked Ms Shameema Raina, president Majestic Voluntary Organization Kashmir who has always remained in the forefront for several years recently creating awareness among the artisans of Kashmir for their rights.