J & K Tops With GI Tags Across Crafts Artisan Base Crosses 4.52 Lakh

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir has recorded over 4.52 lakh registered artisans and weavers, even as the Union Territory emerges as the only one in the country to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags across its full range of traditional crafts, officials said.

The figures were shared during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to assess progress and outline the future roadmap for strengthening the handicrafts and handloom sector.

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Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh said around 17,000 artisans and weavers were added to the registry in the past year, taking the total to over 4.52 lakh across the Union Territory. He added that about 12,600 individuals have been trained through departmental training centres.

Presenting an overview of the sector, Singh said the department is focusing on expanding training and capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology, including its Budgam centre, to integrate modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship. Short-term courses and diploma programmes ranging from 15 days to one year are being offered to artisans and weavers.

Reviewing the progress, the Chief Secretary stressed the need to further scale up such programmes to enhance skill levels and improve the market competitiveness of local crafts. He also noted that several project proposals have been submitted to the Government of India for approval to strengthen the sector across districts.

Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam highlighted key infrastructure initiatives, including the development of a craft village at Sonpah in Budgam and the establishment of common facility centres (CFCs) in Srinagar for wool processing, yarn dyeing and dehairing. Upgradation of the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) Srinagar and related laboratories is also underway, alongside efforts to curb counterfeit products and improve quality standards.

Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Jammu, Mohammad Nazir Sheikh said several proposals are under consideration by the Ministry of Textiles, including raw material depots for Pashmina and wheat straw clusters, a bamboo cluster at Samba, a calico printing cluster in Jammu, and the development of an Urban Haat at Samba. He added that multiple CFCs in Kathua and Samba have already been completed.

On financial inclusion, officials said more than 2,400 cases have been sanctioned under the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, providing access to credit up to ₹2 lakh with interest subvention. Under the Karkhandar Scheme, 46 karkhanas have been established with government assistance amounting to ₹185.79 lakh.

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On the GI front, 970 new authorised users were registered during 2025–26, taking the total to nearly 4,700 across various crafts, while over 80,545 products have been QR-labelled to enable traceability and authenticity.

Taking a comprehensive review, Dulloo directed the immediate operationalisation of non-functional training centres across districts and called for alignment of programmes with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) to ensure wider recognition of certifications.

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He also stressed the need to enhance artisan registrations on the Udyam portal and link them with the RBI's Unified Lending Interface (ULI) to improve access to affordable credit. The Chief Secretary further advised exploring a dedicated term loan product for the sector, on the lines of agriculture financing, to support capital infusion and business expansion.

Reviewing GI implementation, he called for optimal use of the QR-based management system and its full integration with the Government of India's MeghRaj cloud platform to strengthen tracking and traceability of GI-certified products.

Officials said the combined push on skill development, infrastructure, financial inclusion and GI-backed branding is aimed at revitalising Jammu and Kashmir's traditional crafts economy and expanding its reach in national and global markets. (inputs from PTI)

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