A significant Stakeholder Workshop on Project Fankaar was held at the Sheikh-ul-Alam Conference Hall, DC Office Budgam. The event was organized by SPVLG Artisans Foundation in collaboration with and the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms- being funded by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) under Swavalamban Challenge Fund (SCF III)
The workshop was graced by the presence of esteemed Chief Guest Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Director of Handicrafts and Handlooms. Other notable participants included Mohammed Adil Ahsan, Assistant General Manager, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), Kashmir; Mohd Altaf Mir, Assistant Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, Budgam; the Lead District Manager (LDM) of J&K Bank Budgam; representatives from Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) and the State Bank of India (SBI) ; the Registrar INDUSCOS; the District Employment Officer of Budgam; and Bashir Ahmad Bhat, a State Awardee Artisan who was honored by the Chief Guest for his outstanding contributions.
The workshop saw the participation of 170 artisans from district Budgam, who engaged in productive discussions on enhancing the craft and trade of handicrafts and handlooms in the region. The event aimed to create a platform for artisans to interact with key stakeholders, share their experiences, and explore opportunities for growth and development within the industry.
In his inaugural address, Mohd Ashraf Wani, Chairman, SPVLG Artisans Foundation, highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting traditional crafts and lauded the efforts of SIDBI, and the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms. He emphasized the need for continuous support and innovative strategies to boost the artisans’ income and sustain their livelihood.
Mohammed Adil Ahsan from SIDBI underscored the financial and technical support available to artisans through various schemes and encouraged them to take advantage of these resources. Mohd Altaf Mir discussed the initiatives undertaken by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms to support local artisans and improve the quality of their products.
The workshop concluded with a felicitation ceremony where Chief Guest Mahmood Ahmad Shah awarded Bashir Ahmad Bhat in recognition of his exceptional craftsmanship and contribution to the handicrafts sector. The event was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of collaboration and commitment towards the upliftment of artisans in Budgam.