Srinagar, Mar 19: The Jammu and Kashmir government has refuted claims that machine-made shawls and carpets have overtaken traditional handwoven crafts, emphasizing that stringent measures are in place to protect artisans and their livelihoods.
The response came in the Legislative Assembly following a query from MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, regarding the alleged rise of machine-made imitations.
In its reply, the government stated, “It is not accurate to say that handwoven shawls and carpets have been replaced by machine-made imitations. The department is actively working to curb the sale of counterfeit products and ensure the authenticity of Kashmiri handicrafts.”
To protect artisans, the government has introduced various policies and financial schemes. Under the Credit Card Scheme (2020), artisans and weavers can avail loans of up to ₹2 lakh with a 7% interest subvention.
It further said that the Export Subsidy Scheme (2021) provides a 10% incentive to boost the export of handicrafts, while the Weavers MUDRA Scheme (2015) offers loans with a 6% interest subsidy for three years. Additionally, the Karkhandar Scheme (2021) is helping train artisans under expert craftsmen for a period of six months.
To curb the influx of machine-made imitations, the government said that it has implemented Geographical Indications (GI) certification for authentic Kashmiri handicrafts.
So far, 10 crafts have been registered under GI, with 12 more in process. The Pashmina Testing & Certification Centre in Srinagar has issued 56,503 GI labels, including 54,003 for shawls and carpets. In an effort to ensure quality control, officials have conducted 759 inspections, imposing fines amounting to ₹1.88 lakh under the Quality Control Act, 1976 for the sale of fake products.
The demand for Kashmiri handicrafts continues to rise, it its reply said that a significant increase in sales at national and international trade fairs. In 37 national exhibitions and 9 trade fairs held across Jammu and Kashmir, a total of 1626 exhibitors generated sales worth ₹2314.21 lakh, leading to 40,861 trade inquiries.
“The export of Kashmiri handicrafts has also grown substantially, reaching ₹4701.74 crore, including ₹3390.3 crore from handwoven carpets and shawls, and ₹1715.46 crore from woolen shawls alone,” it said.
Srinagar’s global recognition as a hub for handicrafts has further strengthened the sector. The city was designated as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art in 2021, and in 2024, it was accredited as a World Craft City by the World Craft Council. Since 2021, 395 craft safaris have been organized in Srinagar, allowing buyers to connect directly with artisans and witness traditional crafts like Kani weaving, Pashmina weaving, Numdha, and Aari work.
To support artisans with raw materials, the government has established two major wool banks. The Wool Bank, with a funding of ₹51 lakh, and the Pashmina Bank, set up with ₹200 lakh, ensure that artisans have a steady supply of high-quality raw materials at fair prices, reducing production costs and improving profitability.
Dismissing concerns over job losses due to machine-made products, the government in its reply said that the number of registered artisans in Jammu and Kashmir has actually increased. Currently, 4,30,394 artisans are registered, including 3,83,601 in Kashmir and 46,793 in Jammu, with 2,45,482 artisans working specifically in handwoven shawls and carpets.
Reaffirming its commitment to preserving the rich legacy of Kashmiri handicrafts, reply further reads that strict measures will continue to be implemented against counterfeit products.
“We are dedicated to protecting the identity of Kashmiri handicrafts and the livelihoods of artisans. Strict action is being taken to stop machine-made imitations from threatening the industry,” government said in its reply.
