Carpet weaving training centre empowers tribal girls in North Kashmir

Bandipora, Jan 25: Tribal girls from a Bandipora village are receiving training in carpet weaving, the initiative started by the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology in Srinagar, J&K, to empower them economically.

Approximately 20 girls are enrolled in this first-of-its-kind centre, established by the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology Srinagar and sponsored by the National Backward Classes Financial and Development Corporation. The initiative seeks to make these girls self-reliant.

Speaking with (KNO), Shegufta, one of the local girls, said, “We spend our free time here. Earlier, we used to sit in our homes, but now we are getting trained in carpet weaving skills, allowing us to earn and become independent.”

She said the centre is the first in their tribal village where girls are receiving training from professional instructors. “We are learning new skills here, for which we are thankful to the government for this initiative,” she added.

Saima Akhther, another local girl and a final-year student of Bachelor of Arts at Government Degree College Bandipora, said acquiring skills in today’s era is very important, especially for girls. She said the centre is bringing a positive change to society as more girls are coming forward to enroll.

“We did not have many opportunities to learn these skills. Tribal girls also aspire to be self-independent, but limited opportunities hinder their progress,” Saima said.

Maqbool Dar, a trainer at the carpet centre, said the government aims to equip these girls with valuable skills, so that they earn a livelihood independently and, in turn, teach more girls in the future.