An increase in employment is the need of the hour and the Department of Industries and Commerce has ensured that the artisans, workers, and beneficiaries of J&K remain on the job and do not suffer during the crisis. It has employed thousands of poor people across J&K through Handloom Development Corporation and Khadi Village Industries Board (KVIB), by involving them to stitch cotton face masks which are the most important measure to protect against the virus. Given the surging demand for these masks for the safety of people and to employ the beneficiaries, the KVIB roped in their cutting and tailoring unitholders for stitching up the masks as per laid down specifications at affordable prices. For instance, Syed Tabasum, proprietor, Women’s Gallery, Nowgam paused manufacturing jute accessories like executive bags, carry bags, file folders, and was tirelessly working to manufacture cotton face-masks following the outbreak of the disease and with her unit comprising of 15 other trained girls produced as many as 800 masks a day and have produced a staggering 1.5 lakh masks so far. Many like these across Jammu and Kashmir are able to earn a livelihood in the current scenario by quickly adapting to the change in demand and supply in the market.
