Srinagar, October 12, 2025 – In a significant push towards revitalising the traditional crafts economy, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting on Saturday to review the comprehensive measures undertaken by the Industries & Commerce Department for the promotion and development of the handicrafts and handloom sectors in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The deliberations underscored the critical role of digital innovation and international marketing in elevating J&K handicrafts to global prominence.The meeting, held in Srinagar, was attended by key officials including Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh; Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir and Jammu; Director, Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT); and other senior departmental officers. At the outset, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo took stock of ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting local artisans and weavers, strengthening testing facilities, and promoting authentic handmade products across the Union Territory.Commissioner Secretary Vikramjit Singh presented a detailed overview of the handicrafts sector in J&K, highlighting its robust growth trajectory. He informed that J&K currently boasts 18 registered Geographical Indication (GI) products in the handicrafts segment, with an additional 10 applications in the pipeline for GI tagging. This positions J&K as a leader in preserving and authenticating indigenous crafts such as Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, and intricate woodwork.A focal point of the review was the swift rollout of a QR-Code traceability system to ensure authenticity and combat counterfeiting of GI-tagged items. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized the urgency of establishing a robust mechanism for QR-code based tracking, directing the department to enhance the testing capacity of existing laboratories. “Implementation of this digital traceability system must be completed by the end of the year without fail,” he stated, underscoring its importance in building consumer trust and enabling seamless supply chain verification.
To bolster infrastructure, the department is advancing an MoU with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Kashmir for advanced product testing and bulk production of woollen carpets. Additionally, the QR code traceability project, developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), is poised for imminent launch.Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo also laid stress on aggressive global branding strategies for J&K crafts. He called for the timely execution of flagship projects, including the establishment of Ekta Malls in Srinagar and Jammu, which will serve as premier outlets for showcasing and selling J&K handicrafts. Parallel efforts in branding and promotion are being accelerated to secure international recognition for the region’s traditional crafts, including participation in global expos and e-commerce integrations.Further, to enhance skill development, the Chief Secretary advised exploring National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) accreditation for departmental training centers, courses, and trainers.
This move aims to improve employability and credibility for skilled artisans, fostering a new generation of craftsmen equipped for modern markets.Brand promotion campaigns are already underway, with advertisements featuring J&K handicrafts at airport terminals, city centers, FM radio channels, and Doordarshan, in partnership with the Department of Information and Public Relations. These initiatives are designed to amplify visibility and expand market outreach on a globalscale.The review meeting reflects the administration’s commitment to sustainable growth in the handicrafts sector, which not only preserves cultural heritage but also generates vital employment opportunities for thousands of artisans in J&K. With the integration of technology like QR-Code traceability and focused global branding, J&K crafts are set to carve a niche in international markets, driving economic empowerment and pride in local traditions.
