SRINAGAR: The Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar, under the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, has launched skill up-gradation training for 160 candidates to revive Kashmir’s traditional hand-knotted silk carpet weaving craft. The Central Silk Board has approved training for 320 candidates in the trade of Silk Handloom Weaver (Carpets) during 2025–26, with a sanctioned cost of Rs 21.16 lakh. To ensure decentralised access, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department has established Advanced Carpet Training Centres in all eight districts, equipped with modern carpet looms and Aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance systems. The Director added that the institute has developed innovative silk carpet designs, particularly for wall hangings, and procured and dyed raw materials to prescribed quality standards. The training programme is scheduled to conclude on March 11, 2026.