Socio-Economic Profile of Silk Weavers: A MicroLevel Study of Srinagar City

Kashmiri silk weavers and silk products are of international repute. Though the Kashmiri silk products are enjoying a ready market both at home and abroad, there are grey areas demanding immediate attention to sustain and further improve this traditional craft and to help the Kashmiri silk weavers to achieve new heights. In the present study, we have analysed the socio-economic profile and the problems of silk weavers in Srinagar city, trying to offer possible recommendations to address the grey areas. This study is based on both primary and secondary data sources. A primary survey was conducted in Srinagar City during the year 2012, consisting of 100 respondents chosen randomly. The study results revealed that the situation of the weavers was worrying: they were feeble due to illiteracy, financial constraints, health problems, meagre remuneration and poor Government support.