Lok Sabha Question No. 1223 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-11
Subject: Namda Craft
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Sanjay(Kaka) Ramchandra Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 1223

ANSWERED ON - 11.12.2023

## NAMDA CRAFT

1223. SHRI SANJAY KAKA PATIL:

Will the Minister of SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state:

- a) the details of the Skill India Pilot Project that has successfully revived the Namda craft;
- b) the mechanisms or opportunities are in place to ensure sustained growth and further development of this craft in the long term;
- c) the details of financial support provided to these artisans; and
- d) the impact of the initiative on the livelihood and skill development of individuals who involved in the Namda craft?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR)

- (a)    Under the Govt of India's Skill India Mission (SIM), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship  (MSDE)  delivers  skill,  re-skill  and  up-skill  training  through  an  extensive network  of skull development  centre/colleges/institutes etc. under  various schemes  viz. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY), Scheme of Support to Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National

Apprenticeship  Promotion  Scheme  (NAPs)  and  Craftsman  Training  Scheme  (CTS)  through Industrial Training Institutes (it is), to all the sections of the society across the country. The SIM aims at enabling youth of India to get future ready & Industry ready skills.

Namda, a handmade woollen rug from Kashmir, excels as a floor covering with its unique felting process using unspun wool or a wool-cotton mix. Crafted by layering and pressing wool sheets with  water,  the  eco-friendly  Namda  showcase  exquisite  Kashmiri  Aari  Embroidery  using vegetable-dyed threads.

This  traditional  and  heritage  craft  of  Kashmir  is  being  successfully  revived  under  Skill  India's Pilot Project as part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY).  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, Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal  and Srinagar.  The project sets an example of the public-private partnership (PPP) model in the field of skill development, as it is  being  implemented  by  the  Govt  of  India  in  collaboration  with  the  Handicrafts  Sector  Skill Council and local industry partners.

(b)  The  Namda  project  is  an  industry-based  training  program  with  beneficiaries  involved  in Namda Craft Production who will contribute towards preserving and reviving the rich heritage associated  with  Namda  craft  in  Kashmir.   Being  industry-based  training  program,  it  will  also improve the access of existing artisans of Namda crafts cluster in Kashmir and their prospects of employability.  For example, the skilled artisans got a chance to promote their products to the foreign buyers in Indian Handicraft and Gift Fair (IHGF) and Delhi fair at India Exposition Mart Ltd, Greater Noida.  Also, assisted through innovative designs and techniques by the National Institute  of  Fashion  Technology  (NIFT)  and  through  training  in  digital  literacy,  i.e.,  basic computer skills, communicating  and sessions on marketing; the artisans could build capacity to add value to their products.

(c) The artisans and weavers of the Namda Craft availed the benefit of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under PMKVY of Rs. 500 per candidate. Besides DBT, the Industry members have also provided  financial  benefit  of  approx.  Rs.  1,500-2,000  per  candidate  during  the  tenure  of  this Special Project.

(d)  Livelihood  Opportunities  of  the  artisans  Skilled  and  Up-skilled  through  this  project    have been increased through the national and International  demand  of  the  Namda  products.  They have been linked with the Industry members. The products have been produced by the artisans and  are  supplied  to  the  industry  members  for  export,  thereby,  establishing  a  continuous  and sustainable supply chain for these products.

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