KARACHI, Nov 2: The Common Wealth, in collaboration with Sindh Small Industries Corporation (SSIC), has launched a survey to help revive centuries old handicraft industry in the province.

The Common Wealth came to the aid of the handicraft artisans following reports that the traditional handcraft making skill is dying due to lack of financial resources.

Sindh is known in the world for its unique and fine products, like Ajrak printing, Rallis (caps) and wooden lacquer furniture.

Two Common Wealth consultants, Najmul Hussain and Dias Gunasingha, visited handicraft centres in the province in September to inquire about the problems faced by artisans making handicrafts, which reflects the cultural heritage of Sindh.

The consultants along with SSIC officials visited handcraft centres at Hyderabad, Bhit Shah, Hala, Nasarpur, Sukkur, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Larkana and Kashmore. They took special interests in units engaged in Ajrak printing, wooden furniture, various items used in households, women ornaments, ceramic units making decorative tiles and flower vase etc.

The Common Wealth team was informed that the handicraft making units faced acute financial problems and it is feared that not only province will be deprived of its cultural heritage but a large number of artisans, especially women would be out of job.The CW officials were informed that the handicraft units were regarded as the main source of alleviation of poverty in rural areas and their closure would undermine the government efforts to check poverty.

The visitors assured the SSIC officials that on the basis of the survey the CW would provide technical and financial support to save the century’s old professions from extinction. The CW consultants were scheduled to return to the country next month to complete their survey.

They will hold a workshop in Karachi inviting various stakeholders to debate the issue and formulate recommendations for the revival of handicraft industry in the province.

It may be pointed out that presently SSIC does not provide any financing to cottage and handicraft industry due to paucity of funds.

It has submitted Rs500 million financing scheme to the chief minister for approval, which is pending for over a year.

It, however, offers plots in new small industrial estates on 10 per cent payment while the remaining 90 per cent is charged in easy instalments over a period of four years.

The corporation received 8,729 applications for 883 plots available in small industrial estate on Northern Bypass. It has plots of 250 sq yard and 500 sq yards for small and medium enterprises.

About 30 acres area in the estate has been reserved for women to set up cottage industry units. Balloting for the plots is expected soon.