J&K Handicrafts Dept Cautions Showroom Owners Against Machine-Made Sales
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Synopsis
The J&K Handicrafts and Handloom Department has cautioned showroom owners to stop selling machine-made items as genuine handmade products, warning of strict penalties under applicable laws. Inspections are underway to maintain the integrity of Kashmir's rich heritage.
Key Takeaways
- Warning issued to showroom owners against machine-made sales.
- Inspections of showrooms are being conducted.
- Complaints regarding misrepresentation of products have been received.
- Encouragement for GI tagging and certification of handmade items.
- IEC campaigns promoting authentic handmade products are ongoing.
Srinagar, Jan 20 (NationPress) The J&K Handicrafts and Handloom Department issued a warning to showroom proprietors specializing in handmade craft items, instructing them to refrain from offering machine-made products masquerading as authentic handmade goods. Non-compliance will result in stringent measures under the Tourist Trade and Quality Control Acts.
A representative from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department indicated that multiple complaints have been lodged regarding the sale of machine-made Turkish carpets being misrepresented as Kashmir hand-knotted carpets to tourists and other consumers, tarnishing the esteemed legacy of Kashmir.
“In response, numerous showrooms are undergoing inspections, and unmarked machine-made items are being seized,” he stated.
The spokesperson elaborated that the Central Inspection Squad from the Quality Control division has been instructed to enhance inspections of various showrooms in the Srinagar City Centre and along the routes to health resorts like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, as well as other locations, to combat vendors selling counterfeit products labeled as handmade Kashmir Art.
To encourage the sale of exquisite handmade items, he urged stakeholders to contact the Handicrafts and Handloom Department for GI tagging, testing, and certification of their products at CDI and IICT, aiming for customer satisfaction and the preservation of Kashmir's rich heritage.
“The department has devised a strategy to substantially enhance testing and certification capabilities for handmade products, particularly at the Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre at CDI,” he mentioned, noting that various IEC campaigns are currently underway at both local and national levels to encourage consumers to demand labeled handmade products.
