Srinagar, July 25, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken serious note of the increasing circulation of misbranded, machine-made carpets being falsely sold under the label of authentic Kashmiri handmade carpets. Chairing a meeting with officials from the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, the Chief Minister emphasised the urgent need to protect the legacy, artisans, and global reputation of Kashmiri carpet weaving.
“The rich tradition of Kashmiri handmade carpets must not fall victim to commercial exploitation or deceptive labeling,” CM Omar Abdullah stated.
He directed enforcement agencies to crack down on counterfeit and machine-made products being sold under the guise of authentic Kashmiri craftsmanship.
Key Directives from the CM’s Meeting
| Focus Area | Action Point |
|---|---|
| Misbranding of Carpets | Legal action and certification checks on dealers |
| Protection of Handmade Industry | Promotion of GI tagging and QR-coded labeling |
| Support for Artisans | Enhanced financial aid and raw material subsidies |
| Consumer Awareness | Launch of awareness campaigns on distinguishing genuine products |
| Export Monitoring | Tighter scrutiny of export consignments and origin authenticity |
Preserving Kashmir’s Carpet Heritage
Kashmiri carpets, renowned globally for their hand-knotting techniques, intricate designs, and natural dyes, represent one of the finest forms of traditional craftsmanship in India. However, the unchecked market influx of power-loom and machine-made carpets, especially from outside the region, has started undermining both the authenticity and income of Kashmiri artisans.
The Chief Minister urged the Handicrafts Department to collaborate with law enforcement and trade bodies to identify and penalize misbranding practices that are threatening local weavers’ livelihoods.
Government Measures in Pipeline
The government is planning to implement the following strategies to preserve and promote Kashmiri handmade carpets:
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| Mandatory GI Certification | Ensures authenticity of Kashmiri carpets |
| QR Code-Based Product Tracking | Verifies origin and artisan details for each carpet |
| Anti-Counterfeit Task Force | Crackdown on machine-made imports falsely labeled as handmade |
| Artisan Welfare Schemes | Financial, training, and marketing support for weavers |
| Carpet Craft Village Development | Promoting cultural tourism and local economy |
