Udhampur, October 12,2026- The Handicrafts Department in Udhampur is empowering women through skill development at a training centre in Christian Colony, Ward No. 17, where 20 women are learning the art of carpet weaving. The initiative aims to preserve traditional crafts while promoting financial independence and self-employment among women.
Trainees at the centre receive a monthly stipend during the course and are awarded diplomas upon completion. The training is expected to help them explore employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, whether by working with established units or by starting their own ventures.
Preserving a Traditional Craft
Carpet weaving is among the most celebrated handicrafts of Jammu and Kashmir, known for intricate patterns, fine knotting and rich colours. The craft has been passed down through generations, but officials say it needs a new generation of skilled artisans to keep it alive.
At the training centre, the women are learning the fundamentals of the craft, from handling the loom and understanding designs to knotting techniques and finishing. Through structured, hands-on training, the department hopes to keep this heritage thriving while giving it a modern livelihood dimension.
Words from the Training Officer
Sonam, Assistant Handicraft Training Officer, said the initiative is designed to preserve traditional crafts while promoting women’s financial independence and self-employment. She said the programme gives women a practical skill that can be turned into a source of regular income, with the stipend offering support while they learn.
Stipend and Diploma: Support for Learners
The monthly stipend makes it easier for women, especially those from modest backgrounds, to take up training without worrying about the loss of income. It also encourages regular attendance and commitment to the course.
The diploma awarded at the end of the programme serves as formal recognition of the skills acquired. Officials say such certification can help trainees seek employment with handicraft units, work with cooperatives or set up their own enterprises, and can improve their credibility when approaching buyers and institutions.
Pathways to Employment and Entrepreneurship
Handicrafts remain an important part of the region’s economy, and demand for handmade carpets continues in domestic and international markets. Trained weavers can earn from home, join self-help groups or form small production units, making the craft especially suitable for women who wish to work close to their families.
By equipping women with marketable skills, the department hopes to encourage a culture of self-employment and reduce dependence on limited job opportunities. Over time, successful trainees may also train others in their communities, creating a ripple effect.
Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
Initiatives of this kind carry benefits beyond the individual trainee. When women earn independently, they gain confidence, a greater say in family decisions and the ability to contribute to household needs, education and savings. Their success also inspires other women in the neighbourhood to take up skill-based work.
For the women at the Christian Colony centre, the training offers both opportunity and pride, the chance to learn a time-honoured craft and turn it into a livelihood.
A Step Towards Self-Reliance
With 20 women currently enrolled, the Udhampur centre reflects the Handicrafts Department’s broader efforts to promote skill development, support artisans and sustain traditional crafts. As more women complete the course and step into the world of work, the programme is expected to contribute to local employment and the long-term preservation of carpet weaving.
