Srinagar, Aug 6 (KNN) In order to provide marketing facilities to the handloom weaver community, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir plans to organize a 15-day national expo, Dast-e-Hunar 2013 at Kashmir Haat.

The expo to be held from August-22 to September-5 will be organized under the aegis of the Development Commissioner of Handlooms under the Ministry of Textiles.

The Handloom sector in J&K State is centuries old, known for its specialized weaving of fabrics like Pashmina, Raffal, silk sarees and cotton items. In fact, the industry occupies a significant place in the socio-economic structure of J&K.

The labour intensive cottage industry plays a crucial role in employment generation for weaker sections of the society.

Towards the implementation of the project, the Directorate of Handlooms Development Department has invited bids from decorators and contractors for providing various items in stalls, illumination, interior and exterior and maintenance work at Dast-e-Hunar.

The Handloom Development Department plays a catalytic role in the modernization of the handloom sector in the state through skill up-gradation of weavers by providing modernized looms, training, designing and weaving.

There are approximately 50,000 weavers in the state of which 14889 belong to the organized sector.

In order to promote the sale of handloom products, the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, New Delhi sponsors National level/Special Handloom Expos and State-level Fairs all over the country and the stall rent paid by the participants is being reimbursed to them out of the state plan.  (KNN/SD)