The Handicrafts Department is playing an important role in empowering women and unemployed youth through skill development and self-employment opportunities. A training programme at the Handicrafts Carpet Centre in Lariyar, Tral, is providing women and young trainees with valuable skills in traditional carpet making and handicrafts. The centre has been functioning for around one and a half years and is helping trainees gain practical experience that can enable them to become financially independent. The department’s main objective is to provide skill-based training to women, girls, boys and other unemployed youth, creating a platform for them to stand on their own feet and generate their own employment. After completing their training, artisans can benefit from various government schemes designed to support self-employment. These include low-interest loans of up to ₹2 lakh under the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, as well as assistance under cooperative schemes to help groups of artisans establish their own units. Educational assistance is also available for the children of artisans. The programme is a significant step towards women empowerment, skill development, preservation of traditional crafts and economic independence. Women who are sitting at home are encouraged to come forward, learn new skills and turn their talent into sustainable businesses.
