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'Action against counterfeit Kashmir handicrafts must to safeguard artisans'

The department has issued a stern warning to showroom owners, emphasizing that failure to comply will result in strict action under the Tourist Trade and Quality Control Acts.
12:34 AM Jan 22, 2025 IST | GK NEWS SERVICE
 action against counterfeit kashmir handicrafts must to safeguard artisans
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Srinagar, Jan 21: Members of the Craft and Export Promotion Council (CEPC) in Kashmir have expressed their support for the Handicrafts and Handloom Department's recent initiative to combat the sale of machine-made carpets disguised as authentic handmade products.

The department has issued a stern warning to showroom owners, emphasizing that failure to comply will result in strict action under the Tourist Trade and Quality Control Acts.

Prominent Kashmiri carpet exporter and Board of Director at CEPC, Sheikh Ashiq highlighted the growing issue of machine-made carpets being sold as handcrafted items in showrooms across India. "It has become a menace that machine-made carpets are being marketed as handmade," he said.

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Ashiq stressed the importance of protecting Kashmir's rich heritage. He noted that while a single handmade carpet can take a family six to eight months to create, a machine can produce a similar-sized carpet in mere minutes.

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" It is important that the action against those unscrupulous elements is taken who for petty gains are bringing disrepute to the Kashmiri handicrafts and snatching the livelihood of thousands of artisans."

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Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department revealed that numerous complaints have been lodged regarding the sale of machine-made Turkish carpets misrepresented as Kashmiri hand-knotted carpets. This practice not only deceives buyers but also tarnishes the reputation of Kashmir's artisanal legacy. To address this, the department has initiated inspections of several showrooms and is confiscating unlabelled machine-made products.

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The Central Inspection Squad from the Quality Control wing has been tasked with intensifying inspections in key areas, including Srinagar City Centre and popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. This crackdown aims to eliminate counterfeit products that are falsely branded as authentic Kashmir art.

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The government has responded to buyer complaints about misleading sales practices, leading to raids on carpet sellers engaged in these fraudulent activities. The spokesperson reiterated the commitment to uphold the integrity of Kashmir's handicrafts, stating, "These sellers bring a bad name to the rich heritage of Kashmir."