FCIK seeks revival of carpet centres, Kashmir-specific textile initiatives
Srinagar, Sep 9: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged the Union Ministry of Textiles to revive defunct carpet centres under the erstwhile Massive Carpet Scheme and introduce Kashmir-specific initiatives to rejuvenate the region’s textile and handicraft sectors.
In an interaction with Union Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao, FCIK proposed transforming the abandoned carpet and handicraft centres into dynamic hubs for production, design, and skill development.
The federation suggested equipping these centres with modern looms, CAD/CAM technology, dyeing and finishing units, and training modules to bridge tradition with technology.
A memorandum submitted by FCIK underlined the critical state of Kashmir’s craft sector, once celebrated globally for Pashmina shawls, Kani weaves, Sozni embroidery, carpets, crewel, and chain-stitch work. Declining artisan participation, competition from machine-made imitations, poor infrastructure, and limited branding have severely undermined the sector’s growth, the document noted.
Key recommendations included the extension of national schemes such as the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP), and the Handicrafts Mega Cluster Mission to Kashmir. The federation placed special focus on the Pashmina and wool sectors, calling for a Raw Material Bank, scientific certification facilities to distinguish genuine handmade products, and stronger support for Geographic Indication (GI) tagging
FCIK also advocated cluster-based development of carpets, Pashmina, Kani shawls, crewel, and Sozni embroidery, supported by Common Facility Centres (CFCs) offering design, testing, and packaging services. To counter counterfeit products, the federation pressed for a robust “Brand Kashmir” campaign to protect authenticity and strengthen global positioning.
The proposals further included artisan capacity-building programmes, such as a Master–Apprentice (Vostakar–Chatt) scheme, and closer integration of institutions like NIFT Srinagar with traditional crafts. Financial measures sought by the federation included interest subvention, credit-linked subsidies, and the creation of Kashmir-specific Textile Parks.
Emphasizing the cultural and economic importance of Kashmir’s craft heritage, FCIK said that reviving carpet centres alongside modern institutional support could safeguard artisan livelihoods, create employment, boost exports, and re-establish Kashmir as a global capital of craft.
