Slathia seeks details, suggestions to rejuvenate handicrafts

114th BOD Handicrafts Corporation meet held 
Stressing the need for conducting the exhibitions to display the products manufactured by the artisans of the state, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Mr. S. S. Slathia has said that providing financial assistance, advanced technical know-how to the artisans was imperative to promote age old local art and crafts of the state. He said that with the advancement in industrial sector the traditional arts are facing challenges thereby affecting the livelihood of the artisans.  
Addressing the 114th Board of Directors meeting of Handicrafts Corporation here today, the Minister sought details about improving the functioning of the corporation. He also sought suggestions from the Board Members for making the Corporation more vibrant.
Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Mr. Anil Goswami, Director General Budget, Ravi Magotra, Director, Handicrafts, Mr. Showkat Ahmad Zargar, Managing Director, Handicrafts, Mr. G. Q. Wani and President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries Dr. Mubeen Shah attended the meeting. 
The meeting took some decisions for rejuvenating the Corporation by promoting the products of the Corporation in and outside the country. 
The Board has fixed Rs 11.13 crore as sales target for the products of the Corporation for current fiscal. It was decided to get the additional resources, the Corporation would organize various Expos’ and Exhibitions in different cities of the country and abroad. Besides, it was also decided that three new showrooms would be opened in Hydrabad, Ahmedabad and Gurgoan whileas Chenai branch is proposed to be shifted to a new location.
The meeting was informed that the Corporation has initiated the renovation process of its prestigious branch at Irwin road, New Delhi at a cost of Rs 1.75 crore.
The Corporation has introduced new items like Khantamband craft and cricket bats in its showrooms, the meeting was told.
It was given out that the Corporation is contemplating to set up a food court in the Emporium showroom at Srinagar where a franchise food chain of international repute would be kept available for the foreign tourists.