SRINAGAR: The Union Ministry of Textiles has invited applications from registered artisans and craftsmen for National Handicrafts Awards (Shilp Guru & National Award) for the Award Year 2025 and Pension Scheme 2025-26, under its premier National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Handicrafts Artisans Comprehensive Welfare Scheme.

In a press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, stated that the office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, has invited applications from registered artisans for Handicrafts Award 2025 under HSC for Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts, the last date of which has been fixed for March 31, 2026.

“We urge the artisans to apply in online mode along with self-attested copies of documents including 02 recent passport size photographs, Adhaar, Artisan & PAN Cards, Award & Character Certificate, photograph of Award Entry, history of craft, his Brief Note along with videos and affidavit in a pen-drive,” he said, adding that the copies of the notification, along with enclosures, are available on the department’s official social media handles. 

Similarly for Pension Scheme under the aegis of ‘Financial Support Scheme to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances’, the spokesman stated that the office of DC (Handicrafts), Government of India, has fixed April 02, 2026 as the last date of submission of forms in online mode from eligible artisans of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts.

“The documents to be affixed with online form include 02 recent passport size photographs, Adhaar, Artisan and PAN cards, Awards certificate, if any, Income Certificate, Caste and Disability Certificate, Age Certificate and affidavit along with Bank Mandate form,” he added.

The artisans have been further advised to submit their online applications complete in all respects at www.indian.handicrafts.gov.in

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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