More than a month ago, members of the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC), a central government-backed organization, and officials from Meerut’s Process-cum-Product Development Center (PPDC), a unit of the ministry, were contacted. of the Union of MSMEs. by high-level authorities for skills development in Jammu and Kashmir. They asked SGEPC to set up a bat production training center in the valley and urged PPDC officials to send at least six trainers from UP.
A common structure in Sethar in Anantnag district it was therefore set up at a cost of Rs 4.61 crore, including Rs 2.46 crore spent on plant and machinery installed by PPDC. SGEPC member Sumnesh Agarwal said, “Meerut is known for manufacturing world-class cricket bats. Hence, the J&K authorities are looking to involve craftsmen and experts from here. But none of them are willing to go to Kashmir for security reasons ”.
A PPDC official, requesting anonymity, said: “This is despite the fact that a coach is promised Rs 20,000 per month excluding food, lodging and other services. However, security concerns cannot be overlooked. Anantnag recently witnessed a series of targeted violence against strangers ”.
Incidentally, there are seven clusters in the Anantnag district where MSME has established a common center.
“Kashmir is known for its good quality willow, a wood considered the most suitable for cricket bats, while Meerut, known for making world-class cricket bats, is home to a large number of artisans. In addition, the movement of the Kashmiri willow to the outside world is prohibited in its raw wood form and can only be transported in the form of semi-finished products. Hence, the bat industry in Meerut is largely dependent on willow that is imported from England at a very high cost, “the official added.
