SRINAGAR: In order to provide comfortable seating arrangement and improve the quality of hand-knotted carpets, the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) is going to distribute Modified Modern Steel Carpet Looms to active weavers registered with the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir. The Draw of Lots for selecting 100 carpet weavers from amongst the intended beneficiaries shall be held at IICT, Nowshera Srinagar on February 18.

Sharing details through a press statement issued here today, Director IICT, Srinagar, Zubair Ahmad, said the Central Wool Development Board, Union Ministry of Textiles, has sanctioned distribution of 100 Modified Modern Steel Looms amongst active carpet weavers at a total cost of ₹43.70 lakh under its ‘Wool Processing Scheme’ for the current financial year 2024-25. “The looms have been designed and modified by IICT, keeping in view the health safety of the weavers, who sit for hours together for weaving of the world-famous hand-knotted Kashmir carpets,” he said, adding that the department intends to provide such modified looms to all active carpet weavers in a phased manner.

The new modified looms are set to replace the traditional wooden carpet looms, which resulted in many health-related issues particularly acute back pain to weavers due to uncomfortable posturing. Director IICT further advised all concerned beneficiaries to report in IICT premises at Nowshera for participation in the Draw of Lots, scheduled at 11.00 am on February 18, so that 100 beneficiaries are selected in a fair and transparent manner.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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