The Namda craft of Kashmir is being successfully revived under Skill India’s Pilot Project as part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), with nearly 2,200 candidates from across six districts of the state, receiving training in the dying art form.

Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and IT, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar today flagged off the first batch of Namda Art products for export to the United Kingdom (UK).

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.

Under this initiative, nearly 2,200 candidates have been trained in the art of Namda craft, representing a significant milestone in preserving this traditional craft and empowering the local weavers and artisans. The project has successfully trained individuals across six districts of Kashmir, namely Srinagar, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Budgam, and Anantnag.

The government’s commitment to skilling, reskilling, and upskilling India’s youth remains steadfast under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The successful implementation of this pilot project in J&K, with the support of local industry partners such as Mir Handicrafts and Srinagar Carpet Training and Market Centre, exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in driving skill development and attracting investments for economic development.

Congratulating on the achievement, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; and Ministry of Electronics and IT, said, “We had introduced the Namda project in 2021, and it is extremely satisfying to see the outcome that perfectly aligns with our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Naya Bharat, NayeAvsar, NayiSamridhi’ which emphasizes that killing is about creating new opportunities, and new prosperities. As a small part of this large effort taken by the artisans, and the Handicrafts Sector Skill Council, I wish you all a tremendous amount of success and prosperity of this art, and it is a proud moment for us to achieve this milestone.”