J&K Govt invests ₹3.29 Cr to promote authentic Kani shawls

Srinagar, Mar 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government has invested ₹3.29 crore to enhance the production of Kani Shawls in the Beerwah constituency, with a particular focus on Kanihama village. The initiative also includes strict measures to curb the sale of counterfeit products.
The information was shared in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in response to an un-starred question by MLA Uri Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani.
In its response, the government outlined various steps taken to support the traditional craft, including infrastructure development, training programs, financial assistance, and quality control measures aimed at protecting and promoting the indigenous Kani Shawl industry.
The Ministry of Textiles, under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), has sanctioned a Craft Handloom Village in Kanihama, with a total project cost of ₹3.29 crore.
“The project, overseen by the District Development Commissioner of Budgam, is designed to uplift the traditional weaving sector. The initiative includes the establishment of a Common Facility Centre with a Display-cum-Sale Counter, the construction of Weavers’ Work Sheds, the production of a tourism documentary to promote Kanihama Craft Village, and improvements to the lighting system in weaving hubs,” the government said.
These efforts aim to improve working conditions for artisans and increase the visibility of authentic Kani Shawls in both domestic and international markets.
The government also highlighted that Kani Shawls received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2008, further cementing their authenticity and reputation.
“In an effort to train and produce more skilled artisans, the department operates two Kani Training Centres in Beerwah, in addition to eight other training centers in the constituency. These centers have trained 477 youth in handloom weaving at locations like Aripanthan, Kanihama, and Magam,” the assembly was informed.
Additionally, the government has provided substantial financial support to Kani Shawl weavers through various schemes. Under the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, 547 beneficiaries, including 87 Kani weavers from Kanihama, have received financial assistance over the past three years, with an interest subvention of ₹90.91 lakh at a 7% interest rate.
The government has also supported cooperatives, disbursing ₹63.50 lakh to 130 registered cooperatives. Six Kani weaving units have been established in locations such as Kandoora, Narbal, Beerwah, Alamnag, and Khag, benefiting 60 artisans.
To tackle the production and sale of counterfeit Kani Shawls, the government has intensified inspection drives.
“During the current financial year, 564 inspections were carried out by the Quality Control wing to ensure that only genuine handmade shawls are sold. Inspection statistics for the past three years indicate a rigorous crackdown, with 450 inspections conducted in 2021-22, 610 in 2022-23, and 550 in 2023-24,” the government added.
In addition, the government has strengthened the GI certification process and introduced QR coding at the Pashmina Testing & Quality Control Certification Centre (PTQCC) in Srinagar. Currently, there are 319 authorized Kani Shawl manufacturers, with 746 products tested and labeled for authenticity.
Recognizing the need to educate artisans about government welfare schemes and the dangers of counterfeit products, the Handloom Department has organized eight awareness camps in the Beerwah constituency over the past three years.
The government reiterated its commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Kani Shawl weaving by providing financial incentives, quality control measures, and market promotion initiatives.
“These efforts aim to empower local artisans, boost economic growth, and secure global recognition for this centuries-old craft,” the government said in its response.