DC Budgam visits Craft Village Kanihama, reviews developmental works

• Interacts with artisans, stresses artisan welfare

BUDGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat today paid an extensive visit to the Craft Village Kanihama, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of Kani shawl weaving, where he reviewed the implementation of various developmental works and interacted with artisans to assess welfare measures and scheme implementation.

During the visit, DC held detailed deliberations with artisans and officials from various departments on the activities being carried out under multiple schemes aimed at supporting and promoting handicrafts. He emphasized the importance of extending maximum benefits of welfare and promotional schemes to artisans in order to safeguard, revive and promote the traditional craft heritage of the district.

Dr Bilal also sensitized stakeholders about the health issues faced by artisans due to prolonged working hours and underscored the need for creating awareness and facilitating access to health services for the artisan community.

On the occasion, DC witnessed live demonstrations of Kani shawl weaving and traditional spinning on the charka, lauding the extraordinary skill and dedication of the artisans. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to preserving and promoting this age-old craft which holds immense cultural and economic value.

DC was also briefed about the wide range of developmental works undertaken at Kanihama Craft Village including installation of advertising boards for shops, improvement of the public park near Jamia Masjid Kanihama, upgradation of inner link roads at Hajam Mohalla and New Colony Road, construction of a Chowkidar quarter, drainage works with steel grill fencing around the park near the CFC building, and overall beautification of the site.

Further interventions include face-lifting of the Common Facility Centre (CFC) building, construction of dedicated weavers’ sheds, and development of public amenities worth over Rs. 3 crore, aimed at providing better infrastructure and facilities for artisans and visitors. ”Kanihama Craft Village is not merely an infrastructure initiative, but a holistic mission to safeguard our centuries-old heritage, empower artisans with dignity of work, and position Kashmiri handicrafts on the global stage,” DC said.

He said that the vision of district administration is to transform Kanihama into a vibrant hub of handicrafts, culture, and tourism, where tradition meets opportunity. DC said, this model village will not only preserve the legacy of crafts like Kani Shawl weaving but also provide artisans with sustainable livelihoods, enhanced market linkages, and global outreach.

He said that this craft village will stand as a living testimony to Kashmir’s rich cultural identity while opening new income avenues and branding Budgam as a centre of craft excellence. Dr Bilal assured artisans of continued institutional support, urging them to actively avail government schemes designed for their welfare and upliftment. During the visit, the DC was accompanied by CPO, SDM Beerwah, ACD, representatives from handicraft/handloom, BDO and other concerned officials.