JAMMU: Saying that state’s world famous crafts are its real identity, the Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Sajad Ahmad Kichloo Thursday said that all the required measures will be taken for protection and promotion of handicrafts industry in the state.
He also said strict action will be taken against those dealers, who are indulging in sale of fake handicrafts and handloom goods in the name of Kashmir handicrafts.
Interacting with a group of weavers, artisans and crafts persons here, Kichloo said no body will be allowed to defame states reputed crafts and artefacts by selling Amritsari goods on the name of Kashmiri handicrafts and handlooms.
The members of the artisan delegation brought into the notice of the minister the matter regarding sale of fake or Amritsar and machine made ‘handicraft and handloom’ goods in the market thereby cheating not only customers and tourists visiting J&K but the people outside the state also.
Expressing their concern, the craftsmen said that this practice was bringing disrepute to the genuine crafts of the state and should be curbed with iron hand.
The minister assured the delegation that law enforcement wings in Handicrafts, Handloom and Tourism departments will be further reactivated to crack whip on all such unscrupulous traders and vendors found indulging in this illegal practice. He said vigil against such unscrupulous traders and vendors will be intensified and fake stocks wherever detected, shall be confiscated besides initiating action against them.
Briefing the delegation about the initiatives taken by the government to protect handicraft and handloom Iindustry, Kichloo said that Geographic Index has already been registered for Kashmiri Pashmina, Sozni Embroidery, Kani Shawl, Paper Machie, Wood Carving and Khatamband adding that Pashmina Testing Lab has also been set up to provide hallmarking of genuine handmade Pashmina goods. He said 8000 modern looms are being distributed among genuine weavers free of cost during current fiscal to replace traditional looms.

Reader correspondent