New Delhi, 29 July: A delegation from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), led by President Javid Ahmad Tenga, held a crucial meeting with Giriraj Singh, Minister of Textiles, Government of India, at Udyog Bhawan. The delegation included Treasurer Zubair Mahajan and Executive Committee Member Shaukat Khan.
The primary focus of the meeting was to seek the Minister’s intervention in promoting handicraft and artisan products, and to advocate for the participation in Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) events organized by various Export Promotion Councils in India and abroad. Emphasizing the importance of the handicraft sector, which supports the livelihood of tens of thousands of artisans and weavers, the KCCI presented several key issues:
Accreditation of Export Pashmina DNA Testing Lab
KCCI highlighted the long-pending inauguration of the Pre-Export Pashmina DNA Testing Lab at SKUAST Srinagar. They urged for its accreditation with NABL and the Wildlife Department to ensure that certification from this lab is mandatory for customs clearance. This measure aims to prevent delays and seizures of export consignments, which can lead to significant financial losses and potential joblessness within the artisan and weaver community.
ROSCTL and HSN Code Change for Pashmina Shawls
The KCCI discussed the issues with the current ROSCTL (Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies) on woollen and Pashmina shawls. The existing cap of Rs. 438/- does not reflect the true value of these high-cost products. KCCI proposed a revision in the HSN Code to adequately cover value-added and Pashmina shawls, ensuring appropriate benefits for exporters of high-value shawls, which often cost thousands to lakhs of rupees.
Declaration of Handicraft Clusters
The delegation requested the declaration of more handicraft clusters across districts in Kashmir, similar to Kanihama village in Budgam, which was designated a Handloom Village. This recognition has significantly benefited local artisans. They also advocated for the designation of the North belt of Kashmir, known for its handmade silk carpets, as a carpet village/cluster. Identifying and establishing districts with substantial handicraft activities as Handicraft Clusters could further promote the industry.
Market Study Tours
To boost exports, KCCI proposed conducting market study tours to Europe, the Middle East, the USA, and other countries. These tours aim to explore and expand markets for Kashmir’s handicrafts and other sectors.
Minister Giriraj Singh appreciated KCCI’s concerns and assured a positive response to their suggestions. He committed to addressing the issues promptly. President Javid Ahmad Tenga expressed gratitude for the Minister’s time and understanding, and extended an invitation for him to visit Kashmir to participate in a handicrafts stakeholders event, which the Minister accepted
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