NIFT can introduce new designs in traditional crafts of Valley: Chief Secretary

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday called upon the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar, to introduce new designs to crafts like namda, carpets, crewel work and also help in marketing through introduction of latest technological interventions.

Dulloo was chairing the 4th meeting of the State Level Advisory Committee (SLAC) of NIFT at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. He said that fusion of craftsmanship and technology will pave the way for new opportunities, expanded markets and enriched creative processes.

The CS said that NIFT and Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar, should come up with a comprehensive framework for capacity building and training of master trainers who would later train the local artisans.

Considering the resources and infrastructure available at NIFT, Dulloo said that more courses need to be introduced which will help in promotion and revival of local crafts like textile designing, paper machie besides other sectors.

He said that NIFT should think about introduction of new designs to craft which would help in promoting entrepreneurship in regional craft for which Srinagar has been recognised as World Craft City.

Dulloo said NIFT should become a hub of craft and everyone visiting the Valley should make it to their priority list to visit the campus.

During the meeting, brief presentation on the agenda item was made by the NIFT Director highlighting the academic activities of campus and the future plans.

He said that NIFT has been working as a knowledge service provider to the Jammu and Kashmir administration in the area of design development and positioning of handlooms and handicrafts. He said that several programmes and consultancy projects in the areas of design diversification, packaging of crafts, GI registration of crafts, etc., have been completed in the past two years.