Jammu, Mar 20: Minister for Social Welfare Ms Sakina Itoo today asked craftswomen to avail benefits of soft loan schemes for boosting entrepreneurship in handicraft.
 The Minister was addressing a function at Kala Kendra, after flagging off a 10-day Craft Bazaar 2011, being organised by Rural Artisans Welfare Society Jammu and sponsored by Development Commissioner, Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles and Government of India.
 She said the government has launched several schemes for uplift of women through different governmental agencies and loans at 4 per cent interest rate are being provided by Women Development Corporation to the women entrepreneurs of the state.
 Stressing for organising self help groups, the minister, according to an official statement, said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has provided Rs. 10 crore for extending loans to the women folk.
 Sakina said she recently personally led a large group of artisans to Jaipur for participation in an exhibition and there was huge rush of customers for J&K handicraft products resulting in earning hefty amount by state artisans.
 The Minister impressed for spreading awareness about the schemes for setting up of income generating units so that women folk in both urban and rural areas is empowered to live a dignified and respected life.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST