Jammu, Apr 2: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that only 156 of the over 4.46 lakh registered artisans and weavers in the Union Territory have non-performing asset (NPA) accounts, asserting that loan distress among the handicraft sector remains “minimal”.
Responding to a question raised by National Conference leader and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the Industries and Commerce Department said a large number of artisans have availed soft loans under two main schemes—the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers and the PM Weavers Mudra Scheme—between 2021-22 and 2025-26.
Under the Credit Card Scheme, 13,793 cases were sanctioned and ₹17,145.36 lakh disbursed, while under the Mudra scheme, 3,305 cases were sanctioned with ₹2,811.76 lakh disbursed, the government stated.
“The artisans and weavers who availed loans are servicing their installments in accordance with the repayment schedules. Only 156 cases of the UT of J&K have, till date, been reported to be NPAs by the banks,” the reply said, adding that this suggests a “low incidence of loan distress”.
The government, however, clarified that no loan waiver or write-off has been extended specifically to artisans and weavers.
The reply came after MLA Sadiq sought to know whether repeated crises, including prolonged disruptions post-2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic, had severely impacted livelihoods, forcing many artisan families into a hand-to-mouth existence.
The government said the Wool Processing, Handloom and Handicrafts Policy was notified in 2020 amidst the pandemic, outlining a strategic roadmap for skill upgradation, market linkages, design innovation and infrastructure development.
It also listed structured marketing support, including participation in 12 national and local events in FY 2025-26, which generated total sales of over ₹15 crore and leads exceeding 3,400.
The Ministry of Textiles is also implementing National Handicrafts and Handloom Development Programmes, including Shilp Guru awards with ₹3.5 lakh cash prize and a pension scheme for indigent artisans at ₹8,000 per month, the government added.
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