JAMMU: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department will honour 38 artisans and weavers from Jammu and Kashmir at the annual UT Artisan Awards ceremony scheduled for Tuesday at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC). Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who also heads Industries & Commerce, will present the awards in the presence of Commissioner Secretary Vikramjit Singh.
According to an official communiqué, the awardees—20 from Kashmir and 18 from Jammu division—have been selected across various notified crafts. Each award includes a citation along with cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000 and ₹20,000 for the top three positions in every craft category. The department said all logistical arrangements at the SKICC auditorium have been finalised for the ceremony.
The Handicrafts and Handloom Department described the awards as part of its broader effort to support the artisan community that sustains the region’s craft heritage. The spokesperson noted that J&K artisans have consistently earned national recognition, including Padma honours and Shilp Guru titles, and have drawn international attention for their craftsmanship.
The department also confirmed that the selection process for next year’s UT Artisan Awards is already underway.
