Revived by Skill India, 'Namda' craft of J&K finds place in UK markets, rugs exported after decades

Jul 17, 2023

New Delhi, July 17 (ANI): Kashmir's centuries-old 'Namda' craft is reviving and now reaching global shores after nearly going extinct. ‘Skill India’ program successfully revived the dying traditional art of Jammu and Kashmir while also creating opportunities for jobs and entrepreneurship. Nearly 2,500 artisans from six districts in Jammu and Kashmir were trained in Namda craft. Union MoS for Skill Development Rajeev Chandrasekhar flagged off first batch of Namda Art products for export to UK. The Namda craft of Kashmir is being successfully revived under a Skill India’s Pilot Project as part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), with nearly 2,200 candidates from across six districts of the state, receiving training in the dying art form. The project sets a great example of the public-private partnership (PPP) model in the field of skill development, as it is being implemented in collaboration with local industry partners. Under this initiative, nearly 2,200 candidates have been trained in the art of Namda craft, representing a significant milestone in preserving this traditional craft and empowering the local weavers and artisans. The project has successfully trained individuals across six districts of Kashmir, namely Srinagar, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Budgam, and Anantnag. The Namda project is an industry-based training program with beneficiaries involved in Namda Crafts Production who will contribute towards preserving and reviving the rich heritage associated with Namda craft in Kashmir. This will also improve the access of existing artisans of Namda crafts cluster in Kashmir and will improve their prospects of employability.