Kathua, May 4,2026- In a powerful blend of tradition and empowerment, rural women in Kathua are rediscovering their roots through the intricate craft of Chamba Embroidery. A year-long skill development initiative under the Karkhandar Scheme, spearheaded by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu, is transforming lives by preserving heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The program focuses on training women in the delicate and time-intensive techniques of Chamba embroidery—an art form known for its vibrant threads, fine needlework, and storytelling motifs. Participants are being equipped with professional skills, enabling them to produce high-quality handcrafted products that can access wider markets.
Officials from the Directorate stated that the initiative not only aims to revive a fading art but also to ensure economic independence for women in rural belts. “By combining traditional knowledge with structured training and market linkage, we are creating a sustainable model of growth,” an official noted.
Many women enrolled in the program have already begun earning supplementary income, contributing to their households while gaining confidence and financial literacy. Self-help groups formed under the scheme are further strengthening community participation and collective growth.
The Karkhandar Scheme has emerged as a significant step towards cultural preservation in Jammu & Kashmir, especially in regions like Kathua where traditional crafts risk fading due to lack of exposure and institutional support.
As these women stitch stories into fabric, they are not only reviving an age-old art but also shaping a future rooted in dignity, self-reliance, and economic resilience.
