Ensure sale of genuine handicraft products: Govt to dealers

Srinagar, July 25: In a big move aimed at preserving the authenticity of Kashmir’s world-renowned handicraft sector, the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir (Quality Control Division), has issued a general notice to all registered handicraft dealers, directing them to immediately comply with legal provisions related to the sale of genuine handicrafts. This development follows a recent meeting between handicraft dealers and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, where concerns were raised over the unchecked sale of machine-made products being passed off as handmade Kashmiri crafts.According to the notice, registration under the Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Trade Act, 1978, allows dealers to sell handicraft items only if they are genuinely handmade and sourced within the legal framework.As part of the registration process, every dealer had submitted an affidavit committing to sell and display only genuine Kashmir handicraft products. However, recent inspections by the Quality Control Division revealed widespread violations. Several dealers were found displaying and selling machine-made items falsely labeled as handmade, which undermines the authenticity and heritage of Kashmiri crafts.The government has already taken action against defaulting dealers. Penalties have been imposed as per the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1978. A particularly serious case involved a dealer who pasted a fake QR code on a machine-made carpet and sold it as a G.I.-certified handmade product. The dealer has since been blacklisted and deregistered. The department has reminded dealers that Kashmir handicrafts are registered under the Geographical Indication (G.I.) Act of 1999 with the Registry of India, Chennai, and G.I. labeling has been introduced to promote and protect the identity of various Kashmiri crafts.In light of these violations, the Directorate has issued a strict directive requiring all registered dealers to take immediate action. Within seven days of the notice, dealers must ensure that their showrooms display and sell only authentic, handmade Kashmir handicrafts. The presence of any machine-made products in showrooms will be treated as a violation. Dealers have also been instructed to display all relevant documentation, including G.I. labeling certifications, prominently at their business establishments.Additionally, the department has warned that machine-made products are completely banned in showrooms registered under the handicraft or handloom categories. Any misbranding including pasting fake QR codes or removing machine-made tags will be dealt with under provisions of the Quality Control Act, the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, the G.I. Act, and the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. Failure to comply within the stipulated period will result in deregistration, blacklisting, penalties, or other legal measures as deemed necessary.