Srinagar: A high-level meeting chaired by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, was held in Srinagar on Tuesday to deliberate on pressing issues facing Jammu and Kashmir’s handicraft and carpet industry. The meeting, attended by the Commissioner/Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, senior officials, exporters, and stakeholders, focused on safeguarding the authenticity of handmade crafts and protecting artisan livelihoods.
The discussions were dominated by the concern over machine-made carpets being sold as handmade products in handicraft showrooms. Sheikh Ashiq, Member, Committee of Administration, Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), described it as the “burning issue” confronting artisans. While appreciating the recent order issued by the UT government’s Handloom & Handicrafts Department to curb the practice, he urged for its strict implementation, stressing that “there should be no space left for this thing.”
In a major assurance, Secretary Textiles Ms. Rao said that strict nationwide measures will soon be rolled out to prevent the sale of machine-made crafts in handicraft showrooms. She underlined that the move is aimed at restoring buyer confidence, protecting artisan livelihoods, and preserving J&K’s rich cultural heritage.
The meeting witnessed a rare show of unity among leading industry bodies, including CEPC, Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC), MEERAS Carpet Weavers Industrial Cooperative Ltd., Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organization (KCCDO), Kashmir Carpet Manufacturers Association (KCMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). All stakeholders unanimously pledged their support to ensure enforcement against the sale of machine-made products.
Stakeholders stressed that unchecked sale of machine-made carpets not only undermines the reputation of Kashmir’s handicraft sector but also threatens the livelihoods of thousands of artisans who depend on the industry.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge of vigilance, cooperation, and sustained action to uphold the authenticity of Kashmir’s handicraft sector, benefitting artisans, exporters, and global consumers alike.
