- Karkhandar Scheme supports Kashmiri artisans with training, financial help, and skill transfer.
- 10 new craft units approved this year with ₹3.00 lakh budget each to boost craft hubs.
- Scheme promotes market connections, design innovation, and sustainable craft entrepreneurship.
Karkhandar Scheme is an important government scheme focused on reviving Kashmiri crafts and helping artisans across the Valley. This key scheme by the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, provides full support including training, financial help, and skill transfer to preserve traditional crafts and promote sustainable livelihoods. If you want to know how this scheme benefits artisans and the craft industry, this article covers all the main points including training, financial support, market access, and future plans.
The Karkhandar Scheme plays a very important role in supporting skilled artisans by offering institutional backing and financial help. It supports the transfer of traditional skills from experienced State, National, and Shilp Guru awardees to the younger generation. These master craftsmen run their own Karkhanas (workshops), where they guide trainees, making sure that age-old crafts continue to grow.
Building Sustainable Craft Entrepreneurship
Besides preserving skills, the scheme aims to create sustainable craft-based business models. This approach improves livelihoods for artisans by turning traditional crafts into viable economic activities, thus preserving Kashmir’s rich heritage while encouraging entrepreneurship.
Training and Skill Development Efforts
Master craftsmen and awardees under the scheme actively guide young artisans, providing hands-on training and skill development. This direct learning helps keep high-quality craftsmanship and encourages innovation within traditional techniques.
Financial Support and Infrastructure Growth
In the current financial year, the Department has approved 10 new units under the Karkhandar Scheme, each supported with a budget of about ₹3.00 lakh. These units act as lively hubs for skill development, design innovation, and capacity building. Over the last four years, 76 units have been approved with a total investment of ₹137.89 lakh, showing the government’s strong commitment to this cause.
Market Connections and Design Innovation
The scheme also focuses on giving artisans better market access, raw material support, and upgraded tools. Exposure to new design trends is encouraged to keep crafts competitive in today’s markets. This full support system helps artisans increase their income and keep their craft traditions alive economically.
Impact and Future Plans of the Karkhandar Scheme
Karkhandar Scheme has successfully revived several crafts that were close to disappearing. The Department plans to set up 25-30 new units in the current financial year to further grow the scheme’s reach. This ongoing effort makes sure the socio-economic upliftment of the artisan community while protecting Kashmir’s priceless craft legacy.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| New Units Approved (2025-26) | 10 units |
| Budget per Unit | ₹3.00 lakh |
| Total Units Approved (Last 4 Years) | 76 units |
| Total Budget (Last 4 Years) | ₹137.89 lakh |
| Future Target Units (2025-26) | 25–30 units |
| Official Website | https://dohh.jk.gov.in/ |
If you are an artisan or someone interested in Kashmiri crafts, the Karkhandar Scheme offers a promising platform to develop skills, get financial support, and connect with markets. Keep an eye on official announcements from the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, to benefit from this helpful scheme.