Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that given the enormous resources in the region, there was no need for the youth to pick up arms in 1990.
Addressing a gathering at Ranipora, Mattan, Anantnag, the LG, as per a local news agency, Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that J-K has been bestowed with enormous resources and potential. “There was no need for the youth to pick up arms (in 1990). Even today, some people not happy with the region’s peace continue to misguide young boys,” the LG said.
He said that post-2019, the pace of development has touched new heights. “Before 2019, only 6 km roads were constructed and today 20 km are being constructed. Before 2019, only 2500 km were macadamized and today 7500 km of road are being macadamized per day,” the LG said.
He said that today the J-K farmers are the happiest people given their income. “We are the best UT after Punjab and Haryana as far as farmer’s income is concerned,” the LG said.
He said that the government led by him is committed to the welfare of artisans.
The LG inaugurated the 4.50 crore rupees Martand Chainstitch cluster. The cluster has been established by the J-K Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries being administered by the Ministry of MSME (GOI), meant for the development of clusters to make the traditional industries more productive and competitive.
Speaking on the occasion, Sinha reiterated the commitment of his administration to preserving the traditional arts turning moribund for lack of promotion and patronization and stated that the UT administration is alive to the aspirations of associated artisans and workers.
He acknowledged the sheer grit and perseverance of these artisans which has let this master craft transfer from generation to generation.
He ensured them that every effort would be made to make these traditional handicrafts more remunerative and lucrative for the artisan community.
“There is a heartfelt attachment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji towards all Indian trades and crafts. With the active support of the Central Government, the administration is extending every possible hand-holding support so that the age-old and pristine craftsmanship is preserved in its true essence. He outlined that he personally would be more than happy to materialize whatever this community desires to be done by his administration,” the LG said, adding that every country and society in itself is identified by the specific arts, crafts and music.
“Kashmir is known for its exquisite crafts and craftsmanship. I am indebted to the artisan community of the UT for professing art forms and possessing skill sets that are renowned not only in the country but worldwide,” he added.
Vice Chairperson, J-K KVIB, Hina Shafi Bhat announced that the establishment of the Crewel embroidery cluster is one among many steps the board is taking for the promotion of traditional arts and crafts. “Crewel work is pristine in nature which women predominantly do,” she said. (KNO)
