Commitment to Kashmir Key Issues and
Operational Areas, Major Activiities & Achivements
Operational Districts: Anantnag, Badgam, Baramula, Srinagar, Kulgam, Shupiyan, Ganderbal
Operational States: JAMMU & KASHMIR
AchieveMents: Commitment to Kashmir (CtoK), a Registered Trust was started in 2011; inspired by the Late LC Jain, former Member Planning Commission, activist, economist, Gandhian, founder of the craft marketing movement in India and led by some of the premier individuals and organizations working in the Indian handicrafts industry such as Padma Shree Gulshan Nanda and Padma Shree Laila Tyabji with over 40 years of experience in the field.
The objective of the CtoK Trust is to support and nurture a new generation of crafts persons from Kashmir, by helping them with contemporary design development, capacity building, technical support, procurement of raw materials, tools & equipment, one on one mentoring, professional entrepreneurship skills and marketing networks. Thereby providing the craft communities with a source of permanent employment, sustained earnings, opportunities and empowerment. The Commitment to Kashmir (CtoK) initiative seeks to address a dual objective of crafts revival and poverty alleviation in Kashmir by enabling positive transformation in the handicrafts linked economy in the state. It also seeks to reach out to the hitherto hidden part of the economy, women with the potential to be entrepreneurs and producers.
The mandate of CtoK is to provide resources and skills to carefully chosen young Kashmiris with a design, management or craft background who have the talent and potential to become entrepreneurs in the field of traditional Kashmiri handicrafts, or those who are already established but need specific targeted financial inputs to grow and expand. The key drivers of the initiative are design, technical up skilling, one-on-one mentoring and marketing.
The programs of CtoK have so far reached out to and benefitted 300 artisans through its unique Craft Enterprise Linked Livelihood Support Program to an initial group of 12 grantees all from traditional craft families in Kashmir. Their crafts range from felt wool rugs, Pashmina and Kaani weaving, Copper and Wicker, to Papier Mache mould making, Ari & Sozni embroidery, Tilla work, Crewel and Chain Stitch embroidery.
Achievements of CtoK -
1. Increased employment. In 25% of the cases there has been more than a 100% increase in employment within the craft enterprise supported by CtoK
2. Boost the income level of the artisans. In 40% of the cases, the income levels has doubled.
3. Provide the artisans with a regular and timely source of income
4. Enabled the growth and expansion of production facilities (doubling of weaving looms set up) in the supported weaving enterprise
5. Developed new tools and equipment. Shabir Lone, a Kaani weaver supported by CtoK developed an innovative new portable and stackable loom
6. Expanded learning opportunities. Arifa a young Namda rug craftswoman was sponsored by CtoK to attend an International Felt Making Workshop in Kyrgyzstan
7. Develop a new and contemporary product range enabling artisans to have a competitive edge to the traditional craft skill in the domestic and international markets.
8. Marketing support through bazaars ensuring regular and sustained income to the artisans.
9. Restoring of societal confidence as well as economic well being
