Srinagar: In a significant move to ensure transparency in participation of artisans in exhibitions, the administration of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered that no artisan/weaver shall participate in more than two fairs in a single year.
The Department of industries and Commerce has unveiled a slew of measures to ensure fairness in participation of artisans/weavers of Jammu and Kashmir in exhibitions/fairs within and outside the Union Territory.
According to a circular issued by the Department of industries and Commerce, the administration has ordered that the selection of participants in fairs/exhibitions must be merit based after due diligence by the authorities of Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation and JK Khadi Village & Industries Board (KVIB).
These processes shall be fair, transparent and beneficial to all registered/recognized artisans/weavers/cooperatives/self-help groups (SHGs), the circular states. “To further democratize the process of participation, it shall be ensured that no artisan/weaver participates in more than two events/fairs/expos (national or international) in a single year. This condition shall not apply to the national/ UT awardees,” it states
According to the circular, the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu/ Kashmir shall ensure participation of artisans/ weavers as per the provision of J&K Handicraft and Handloom Policy-2020.
“The department Handicraft and Handloom shall not only facilitate in providence of stalls to the artisans/weavers/ cooperatives but shall also reimburse the travel expenses and freight charges to such participants as per provisions in Handicrafts and Handloom Policy,” the document further states. (KNO)
