Kathua, April 25,2026 – A government-led skill development initiative in Hiranagar area of Kathua is transforming the lives of rural women by equipping them with bamboo craft skills and opening new avenues for sustainable livelihoods.
Under the programme, young women and girls are being provided free training along with stipends, enabling them to learn traditional and modern bamboo craft techniques. The initiative aims to promote self-reliance and financial independence among participants while preserving eco-friendly artisanal practices.
Trainees are actively engaged in creating a variety of marketable products, including baskets, decorative items, and utility goods, which hold strong potential in local and wider markets. Officials noted that the programme not only enhances skill sets but also boosts confidence and entrepreneurial spirit among rural women.
Participants expressed enthusiasm, stating that the training has given them a chance to contribute economically to their families while pursuing creative work. Many have also shown interest in forming self-help groups and expanding their ventures.
Authorities highlighted that such initiatives are part of broader efforts to empower women, promote rural employment, and support sustainable crafts in Jammu and Kashmir. The bamboo craft training programme in Hiranagar stands as a promising example of how skill development can drive socio-economic change at the grassroots level.
