Namda Craft of Kashmir Finds New Life Through Skill India Initiative

New Delhi, July 14 – Skill India's Pilot Project, under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), has successfully breathed new life into the traditional Namda craft of Kashmir. Through a collaborative effort with local industry partners, this initiative has revitalized the dying art form, empowering artisans and preserving the rich cultural heritage.

The Namda craft, a rug made of sheep wool using the felting technique instead of the traditional weaving process, had witnessed a sharp decline in exports between 1998 and 2008 due to various challenges such as the scarcity of raw materials, lack of skilled manpower, and limited marketing techniques.

Recognizing the need to preserve this endangered craft, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) designed a short-term training curriculum as part of a special project under PMKVY.

Nearly 2,200 candidates from six districts of Jammu and Kashmir have received training in the art of Namda craft, marking a significant milestone in its preservation and revival. The success of this project can be attributed to the fruitful collaboration between Skill India and local industry partners. 

Officials said the project sets a great example of the public-private partnership (PPP) model in the field of skill development, as it is being implemented in collaboration with local industry partners.

 “Mir Handicrafts and Srinagar Carpet Training and Market Centre have played instrumental roles in driving skill development and attracting investments for economic development,” an official spokesperson said.

It stands as a shining example of the government's commitment to skilling, reskilling, and upskilling India's youth under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added

The officials further stated that the industry-based training program has not only empowered the artisans but has also contributed to the preservation and revival of the rich heritage associated with Namda craft in Kashmir. 

The beneficiaries, involved in Namda Crafts Production, have become key contributors to the craft's resurgence. Additionally, this initiative has improved access to employment opportunities for existing artisans in the Namda crafts cluster in Kashmir.

Speaking about the achievement, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; and Ministry of Electronics and IT, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the Namda Project. He highlighted how this success aligns perfectly with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a "Naya Bharat, Naye Avsar, Nayi Samridhi" (New India, New Opportunities, New Prosperity), emphasizing the creation of new opportunities and prosperities through skill development.

As the first batch of Namda Art products sets off for export to the United Kingdom (UK), it marks a significant milestone in the economic opportunities created by the revival of Namda craft in Jammu and Kashmir. 

‘This achievement not only showcases the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans but also opens doors for international recognition and increased trade.’

          Officials further stated that the Namda project is an industry-based training program with beneficiaries involved in Namda Crafts Production who will contribute towards preserving and reviving the rich heritage associated with Namda craft in Kashmir. This will also improve the access of existing artisans of Namda crafts cluster in Kashmir and will improve their prospects of employability.