Srinagar, December 7,2025:The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir today conducted a comprehensive review meeting of the Handicrafts & Handloom Department, focusing on the promotion, modernisation, and market expansion of Kashmir’s traditional craft sector. The meeting brought together senior officials, departmental heads, and district representatives to assess ongoing projects, identify bottlenecks, and chalk out new strategies for sectoral growth.
During the review, the Div Com emphasized the critical role of Kashmir’s handicrafts and handloom industry in preserving cultural heritage and generating livelihood opportunities for thousands of artisans across the Valley. He directed officials to accelerate implementation of schemes under the Handicrafts & Handloom Policy, ensure timely completion of infrastructure projects, and strengthen artisan welfare initiatives.
Key Points Discussed
- Promotion of GI-tagged products such as Pashmina, Kani shawls, Sozni embroidery, Papier-Mâché, and Namda.
- Strengthening of the raw material supply chain to ensure artisans receive quality inputs at reasonable rates.
- Expansion of digital marketing platforms and e-commerce channels to boost global outreach.
- Skill development and training programs for youth under the Artisan/Weaver Training Schemes.
- Upgradation of Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and craft clusters across districts.
- Ensuring authenticity and quality certification through Craft Identification (CI) and QR-based labeling.
The Div Com instructed officers to regularly monitor field activities, maintain transparency in beneficiary-oriented schemes, and intensify efforts to curb the sale of counterfeit craft items.
Officials’ Highlights
Departmental officers briefed the Div Com on:
- Progress under Kashmir Handmade Initiative
- Increased registration of artisans on the National Handicrafts Development Portal
- Participation in national and international trade fairs and expos
- Ongoing brand-building campaigns for authentic Kashmiri crafts
The Div Com appreciated the department’s initiatives and called for coordinated efforts to ensure that Kashmiri artisans gain wider market access and sustainable income growth.
