Rajouri , May 19,2026- In a major boost to women empowerment and traditional craftsmanship, a six-month skill development initiative under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) has been launched for the first time in the Darhal area of Rajouri district.
The programme aims to promote design development and value addition in traditional Kashmiri shawls and fabrics while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local women.
As part of the initiative, 30 unemployed women from the area are being trained in cloth designing, embroidery and other handloom-related skills by expert trainers. All raw materials required for the training are being provided free of cost under the government-sponsored scheme.
Officials said the programme is focused on preserving Kashmir’s rich handloom heritage while enabling women to become financially independent through skill-based employment and entrepreneurship.
The trainees expressed enthusiasm over the opportunity, stating that the initiative will help them enhance their skills and generate income from home-based work in the future.
The NHDP initiative is expected to strengthen the traditional handloom sector in Rajouri and encourage more women to participate in craft-based economic activities.
