Projects under Implementation
1. Development of New Design Package
- With a view to address technical and compatibility issues of existing Design Software, a new Design Package is being developed by the Institute through National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Srinagar. This Design Package shall have following special features.
- a. It shall be compatible with all kinds of Softwares and Hardwares which in turn is expected to improve its overall functioning.
- b. It shall have additional tools, commands and options which shall increase the efficiency of Designers/Users by 40 to 50 percent.
- c. Font size of Design Script/Taleem codes can be changed as per the requirement which shall minimize manual errors during the carpet weaving as the weavers would be able to clearly see/view the coded pattern for mending knots.
- d. Multiuser login facility with access control mechanism by way of registered IDs or Keys with absolutely no limitation of Users.
- e. The Institute shall be able to provide access of Design Software to all registered users through IDs/Passwords in any part of Jammu & Kashmir.
- f. It shall be able to generate design scripts (set of coded instructions) in three different formats namely, traditional taleem, traditional color code with numeric and colored numeric so that design script is readable to all.
- The Design Package is expected to be ready in all respects by August 2023.
2. Utilization of locally available natural resources for Natural Dyeing
- The Institute, in association with National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (NINFET), Kolkata, West Bengal, has undertaken a research project on “Utilization of locally available natural resources for the purpose of natural dyeing of different types of raw materials such as Silk and Woolen Yarn along with Pashmina Shawls and other fabrics used in Handicrafts and Handloom sector”.
- Necessary research work of four locally available natural sources of dyes namely Chinar Leaves, Cock’s Comb Flower, Deodar Pine and Walnut Hull has been completed till now and different natural dyes/shades have been developed.
- Further, samples of other available local sources of natural dyes such as, Almond Hull, Dal Weeds, Saffron Petals, Tulip Waste, Amaranthus Leaves (Green, Red) have recently been collected and they have been sent to the analytical laboratory of NINFET for the purpose of necessary research.
- It is pertinent to mention that under the project, a complete protocol, in respect of Identification, Extraction, Purification, Storage of such natural sources from whom Natural Dyes can be extracted along with method of their application, shall be developed for their effective use.
3. Short Term Training Programmes
- Central Wool Development Board (CWDB), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, the Funding Agency, has approved a proposal of this Institute for conducting Short Term Training Programmes for manufacturing/weaving of woolen carpets.
- As approved by the funding agency, 08 batches of Short Term Training Programmes, each of 03 months duration with intake capacity of 15 candidates per batch, shall be trained during the current financial year.
- It is pertinent to mention here that, in order to introduce and promote woolen carpets in the industry, new contemporary/modern designs, to be developed by an experienced Design Consultant under the project, shall be introduced in the woolen carpets to be made during the period of training.
- With a view to attract more and more candidates, monthly stipend of Rs. 3750/- per candidate is being paid to each artisan through DBT mode during the period of their training at the Institute.
- As per the directions of funding agency, a Zero balance account in the Axis Bank has been opened with the prior approval of Administrative Department and all the payments are being made through PFMS.
- The Training of first batch is in progress at the Institute.
4. Setting up of Micro Carpet Cluster in Kupwara District.
- National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India under its “Technology Up-gradation of Cluster Scheme” has provided necessary infrastructural support to 20 beneficiaries, falling under Backward Class Category/Economically Weaker Section so that they can work independently which in turn will improve their earnings.
- Under this project, in addition to Skill Up-gradation training on Silk Carpet weaving, 05 Modern Carpet Looms alongwith Sitting Benches, Raw Material, Working Tools and other necessary accessories/items have already been provided to concerned beneficiaries. For providing better working conditions to the concerned beneficiaries, adequate space/accommodation, whose monthly rentals for a period of 03 years shall be paid under the project, has also been made available to the group.
- Further, the Institute has made necessary tie-up with one leading Carpet Exporter who is directly providing work to this group on mutually agreed terms and conditions and all the members of the group are being paid by the concerned exporter on monthly basis, as per their production./span>
5. NABL Accreditation of Testing Laboratory
- In order to give due credibility and recognition to testing facility being provided by the testing laboratory of the Institute, it is imperative to go for its formal Accreditation through National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Services of a reputed organization namely, Wool Research Association (WRA), Thane, Mumbai have been availed as Consultants for this project.
- This initiative will ensure that all the tests are carried out in a systematic manner in line with the international quality standards after following proper Quality Management System so that there is no scope of any error.
- Preparation of necessary documents such as, Quality Manual (ISO 17025: 2017), Quality Operation Procedure (ISO 17025:2017) and Scope of Work of Laboratory has been completed. This was followed by Calibration of all testing equipments of the laboratory through NABL Accredited Laboratory only.
- Subsequently, Internal Audit of the Laboratory was conducted by the NABL Expert of Wool Research Association (WRA), Mumbai. The Internal Auditor, during the audit, checked each and every document prepared by the Institute for NABL Accreditation. Few changes were suggested by the Expert and the same were accordingly incorporated in the documents.
- Pursuant to above, first application for Accreditation was submitted through online mode to Accreditation Body of the country (NABL). After examining all the documents, as per standard procedure, couple of non-conformances were raised by the concerned Auditor of NABL and necessary corrective actions have been taken for clearing of such NC’s. After reviewing the same, these NC’s were recently closed by the Accreditation Body.
- Process for conducting mandatory Proficiency Test through NABL Accredited Laboratory has been initiated. After completion of the same, external audit shall be conducted as per the availability of Experts of Accreditation body (NABL).
6. Upgradation of Testing Laboratory
- A proposal for upgradation of its existing Testing Laboratory by way of procurement of necessary Testing/IT equipments, including high end Digital Microscope for the purpose of identification/testing of different types of textile fibers, has been approved by Central Wool Development Board (CWDB), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India.
- The procurement of approved IT items/testing equipments is in progress through GeM portal/e-Tendering and they are expected to be installed by July/September 2023.
