The Namda craft of Jammu and Kashmir was facing extinction but has been successfully revived through the Skill India pilot project under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
Around 2,200 candidates from six districts of Jammu and Kashmir received training in Namda art, thereby preserving this traditional craft and empowering local weavers and artisans.
The project demonstrates a successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in skill development in collaboration with local industry partners.
The initiative was implemented in collaboration with Meer Handicrafts and the Srinagar Carpet Training and Market Centre, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships in promoting skill development and attracting investments for economic development.
The credit for introducing Namda to the Kashmiri people is given to a Sufi saint named Shah-i-Hamdan.
Namda is a traditional Kashmiri craft that involves making felted carpets using sheep's wool and incorporating colourful hand embroidery.
Namda art is not limited to Kashmir only but is also practised in many other Asian countries including Iran, Afghanistan, and India.
