No more favouritism in participation of artisans/ weavers in exhibitions : J&K government orders process to be merit based; No artisan to participate in more than 2 fairs in a year

GNS ONLINE KASHMIR 

NASIR AZAM 

SRINAGAR, JULY 15 (KNO):–In a significant move to ensure transparency in participation of artisans in exhibitions, the administration of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory has ordered that no artisan/ weaver shall participate in more than two fairs in a single year.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Department of industries & Commerce has unveiled a slew of measures to ensure fairness in participation of artisans/ weavers of Jammu & Kashmir in exhibitions/ fairs within and outside the Union Territory.

According to a circular issued by the Department of industries and Commerce, a copy of which is in possession of KNO, the government 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 J&K 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)