Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga in presence of Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Information Technology, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Nanda inaugurated Moungri Handloom Cluster at Panjar, in a bid to boost the handloom sector and improve the socio-economic condition of the local weavers.

The project to the tune of Rs 1.72 crore sanctioned by Development Commissioner Handloom, Ministry of Textiles, GoI under the CSS ‘Comprehensive Handloom Development Scheme would benefit about 195 weavers of Panjar, Moungri, Panchari, Basnote, Kund , Kalsote and adjoining areas.

The project will focus on improving the working condition of the weavers by developing handloom common facility centre, construction of work-shed for weavers and through their skill development training at weaver service centre in Srinagar, said the minister while addressing the audience, as reported by a leading daily.

Assuring weavers of employment and promotion of handicrafts, the minister has said that clusters will soon be developed in Dudu region and other rural areas. Further, establishment of a trade centre in the state will help in the selling of various local handloom and handicraft items.

Minister of state for finance and planning, information technology, law, justice and parliamentary affairs, Ajay Nanda, who was present at the inaugural event talked about the importance of creating employment opportunities especially for the weavers in the rural areas. He also stressed on the various welfare schemes by the government for socio economic empowerment of the people.

An awareness programme was also organized in which the people were made aware about the various schemes of the department.