Mislabeling, misbranding of Kashmir handicrafts will invite strict action: Govt
Srinagar, Aug 20: Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat today to address pressing issues raised by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) concerning the handicrafts and handloom sector.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, Dheeraj Gupta; Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, S. Vikramjit Singh; Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, Mussrat Islam; and KCCI President, Javed Tenga, among others.
During the discussions, the KCCI delegation highlighted concerns regarding the sale of machine-made products alongside genuine handcrafted items, following notices issued by the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom. The need for expediting testing and certification of GI products at PTQCC lab, Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan, was also stressed.
The Advisor was briefed on the background of the notices, prompted by complaints from tourists who were sold machine-made imitations under the guise of authentic Kashmir handicrafts. Officials revealed that in one case, a showroom was blacklisted for selling counterfeit products with fake GI labels, aiming to deceive buyers.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting Kashmiri artisans and weavers, Nasir Aslam directed the department to prepare a comprehensive proposal safeguarding both artisans and stakeholders. He asked KCCI to formally engage with the department and submit a plan for allowing properly labeled machine-made products as a distinct category to ensure transparency and prevent misbranding.
The Advisor emphasised that all dealers must be sensitized to the importance of promoting authentic handicrafts. The government warned that strict action would be taken against mislabeling, misbranding, or deceptive alterations intended to pass off as genuine products.
The meeting also covered upgrades to the PTQCC testing lab, which now has a new digital microscope and is in the process of procuring advanced equipment, including SEM and additional high-resolution microscopes, to strengthen GI product testing.
Additionally, the KCCI raised concerns about the adverse impact of sub-standard meat on genuine hotels and restaurants, urging the identification of suppliers and their supply chains. The Advisor assured that measures are being taken to curb unsafe food, stressing that public confidence hinges on consumer awareness and strict hygiene standards.
