Jammu and Kashmir government is going to replace 40,000 looms in the valley in its bid to boost the handicrafts sector.
State Minister for Industries S S Slathia said 40,000 modern looms were being introduced in the Valley to replace old ones and give boost to the handicrafts sector.
"Some 150 demonstration units are being established to exhibit the quality and capacity of new looms and train the artisans, accordingly," Slathia said at a function here last evening.
The minister also announced the restoration of textile park, Kashmir Woolen Mills, in the next three months saying Rs eight crore park was in offing to help the development of fabrics, rugs and shawls in the valley.
Slathia said the Udyog Bhawan at Bemina, on outskirts of Srinagar city would be completed within two years instead of the previous time frame of three years.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah laid the foundation stone of the project, which has been handed over for construction to Jammu and Kashmir Small Scale Industries Corporation Limited (SICOP).
Slathia said the complex would be a five-storied building, housing all industrial concerns of the government under one roof. He said the built up area of the complex would be 65,000 sq metres.
"SICOP has registered tremendous upward trend in its turnover during last 21 months of Omar Abdullah led government. Against Rs 150 crore turn over in 2008, the Corporation achieved Rs 512 crore turn over last year while the target for current year is Rs 612 crore," Slathia said.
