Question : GLOBAL MARKETING COVER FOR KASHMIR HANDICRAFTS

(a) Whether the Government of Jammu and Kashmir had recently urged the Union Government for global marketing cover to Kashmir handicrafts;

(b) if so, the response of the union Government thereto:

(c) whether the Union Government are considering to set up an urban haat in Kashmir;

(d) if so the details thereof;

(e) whether any effective measures have been taken to develop and increase the handicraft and handlooms exports of Jammu and Kashmir besides the carpet exports; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES (SHRI GINGEE N. RAMACHANDRAN)

(a) & (b): Yes Sir, The Government of J&K has been seeking support for participation in international fairs for global marketing of Kashmir handicrafts. The schemes of the Government do not envisage any direct assistance to the State Governments. However, assistance is provided to the State Corporation. During the year 1999-2000 and till date financial assistance was provided for participation in international fairs at Dubai, Tel Aviv (Israel) and Memphis ( U.S.A).

(c) & (d): Yes Sir. Government has accorded sanction for setting up of a Urban Haat at Jammu with an approved budget of Rs. 136.85 lakhs out of which Rs.23.00 lakhs has already been released during 1999-2000.

(e) & (f): Yes, Sir. A statement is attached.

Statement referred to in Para (e) & (f) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3826 for answer on 17.08.2000.

The measures taken to develop and increase the exports of handicrafts, handlooms and carpets of J&K, are as under :

Assistance has been provided to J&K State Handloom Corporation Limited for :


1) Development of Pashmina Industry in Jammu.
2) Revival of Sambha Print.
3) Development of finer tweed in Jammu.
4) Revival of Kani Shawl.
5) Participation in Exhibition in Royal Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl at Paris (14.01.2000 to 20.01.2000) and in New York, USA ( to be held from 9.9.2000 to 26.09.2000 ).
6) Participation in Indian Exhibition at Dubai, Tel Aviv ( Israel ) and road shows at Memphis (U.S.A.).
7) Engaging the services of an international expert on handloom tweed for developing exportable woolen tweed from J&K.