KISHTWAR: In a significant step towards empowering the artisan and weaver community, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajesh Kumar Shavan today distributed registration certificates to newly constituted Industrial Handicrafts Cooperative Societies formed under the Financial Support Scheme of the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Jammu.

The event, held in the presence of Assistant Director Handicrafts, Pardeep Shan, marked the formal recognition of two cooperative societies-United Crewel and Vibrant Crewel Handicrafts INDUSCO Ltd.-registered with the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Jammu.

The societies have been established under the Self-Reliant Cooperative Act, 1999, aimed at fostering micro-enterprises rooted in traditional crafts.

As per the provisions of the scheme, each registered society comprising 11 artisans/weavers will be entitled to financial assistance of Rs. 1.00 lakh, disbursed in two equal non-refundable installments. The scheme also includes dedicated marketing support to enhance the visibility and market reach of local crafts.

The DC lauded the Handicrafts Department and emphasized the importance of expanding the scheme's reach to include more artisans and weavers.

He instructed the Assistant Director to intensify outreach and registration efforts across the district to ensure that the benefits of government schemes are widely disseminated.

Also present at the event were Abid, Supervisor INDUSCO, along with officials and staff from the Handicrafts Department.