Strategic Initiative

Youth Engagement and Skill Transfer

Encouraging intergenerational continuity by supporting training, mentorship, and innovation pathways that attract youth into sustainable craft careers.

Objective

To inspire and equip young Kashmiris with skills and opportunities to carry forward traditional crafts.

Context

The crafts of Kashmir are a heritage forged over centuries. Yet, today, the continuity of this legacy faces a serious challenge as young people seek careers elsewhere, leaving the sector to an aging population.

The Narrative

The crafts of Kashmir are a heritage forged over centuries. Yet, today, the continuity of this legacy faces a serious challenge as young people seek careers elsewhere, leaving the sector to an aging population. 351: 352: The Youth Engagement and Skill Transfer Campaign aims to address this challenge by making traditional crafts a viable, respected, and fulfilling career choice for young Kashmiris. Through hands-on apprenticeships, school programs, mentorship initiatives, and collaborations with modern designers, we create opportunities for youth to learn and innovate.
Legislative Action

Policy Proposals

Key legislative actions and their rationale

1

Apprenticeship Stipend Scheme

Financial support for youth learning traditional crafts.

Incentive

Offsets the opportunity cost of training.

Support

Allows masters to take on students without loss.

Focus

Enables full-time dedication to learning skills.

Legislative Ask

Allocate budget for a monthly 'Young Artisan Stipend'.

2

Craft Education Policy

Formalize craft training within the higher education system.

Status

Elevates craft to the level of other degrees.

Innovation

Merges tradition with modern design education.

Career

Creates clear academic pathways for artisans.

Legislative Ask

Accredit craft courses in state universities and polytechnics.

3

Young Entrepreneur Fund

Seed funding for youth-led craft startups.

Innovation

Supports new business models in the sector.

Employment

Youth businesses hire other young people.

Risk Taking

De-risks the launch of experimental ventures.

Legislative Ask

Create a venture fund specifically for craft startups.

Strategic Implementation

S1

Youth Apprenticeships

Provide hands-on experience under master artisans.

  • MentorsSelecting master artisans to train youth.
  • StipendsProviding financial support during training.
  • CurriculumDocumented techniques for standardized learning.

Action Steps

  • Recruit master artisans
  • Select apprentices
  • Start apprenticeship cycle
S2

School Workshops

Introduce crafts during formative years.

  • HistoryIntegrating craft heritage into schools.
  • Hands-onInteractive learning sessions with artisans.
  • ExhibitionsCelebrating student craft projects publicly.

Action Steps

  • Develop school modules
  • Organize workshops
  • Host annual exhibition
S3

Design Innovation

Bridge tradition with contemporary innovation.

  • CollaborationsPartnering with fashion and interior designers.
  • ProductsDeveloping modern, sustainable product fines.
  • AwardsRecognizing creative contributions annually.

Action Steps

  • Launch design challenge
  • Partner with design schools
  • Award innovation grants

Expected Outcomes

Generational Continuity

New generation of skilled artisans entering the workforce.

Youth Enrollment

Higher numbers in craft training.

Skill Preservation

Transfer of critical traditional skills.

Sector Innovation

Fresh ideas and modern designs revitalizing the market.

Product Diversity

New product lines appealing to modern tastes.

Career Viability

Craft seen as a desirable career path.

Cultural Continuity

The gap between generations is bridged through shared heritage.

Pride

Youth take ownership of their culture.

Evoluation

Tradition evolves to stay relevant.

The Youth Engagement and Skill Transfer Campaign is a movement to safeguard Kashmir's craft heritage by inspiring and empowering the next generation of artisans.