SRINAGAR, Sept 9(KNS): A high-level meeting chaired by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, was held in Srinagar on Tuesday to address concerns of exporters and stakeholders from Jammu and Kashmir’s handicraft and carpet sector.

Senior officials, including the Commissioner, Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, UT of J&K, also attended the meeting.

The meeting focused on the issue of machine-made carpets being sold as handmade products in handicraft showrooms.

Sheikh Ashiq, Member, Committee of Administration, Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), raised the matter, highlighting the threat it poses to the livelihoods of thousands of artisans.

He noted that while orders had been issued by the UT authorities to curb the practice, effective implementation was essential to safeguard genuine handmade crafts.

Responding to the concerns, Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao assured the participants that strict nationwide measures will be introduced to ensure machine-made carpets and crafts are not allowed in handicraft showrooms.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelShe said the initiative will help restore buyer confidence, protect artisan livelihoods, and preserve the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir’s handmade industries.

The meeting was attended by representatives of several industry bodies, including the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC), MEERAS Carpet Weavers Industrial Cooperative Ltd., Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organization (KCCDO), Kashmir Carpet Manufacturers Association (KCMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). The stakeholders presented a united front, stressing the urgency of enforcement and pledging full support for the measures.

The session concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to vigilance, cooperation, and sustained efforts to uphold the authenticity and global reputation of Kashmir’s handicraft and carpet sector.(KNS).