SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to revive defunct carpet centres under the erstwhile Massive Carpet Scheme and to introduce Kashmir-specific initiatives aimed at revitalizing the region’s textile and handicraft sectors.
During a meeting with the Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, Neelam Shami Rao, FCIK President Shahid Kamili strongly advocated for the restoration and modernization of the abandoned carpet and handicraft centres across Kashmir. He proposed that these centres be transformed into dynamic hubs for production, design, and skill development.
“These centres were once the backbone of Kashmir’s carpet industry. With proper restructuring, they can be converted into modern Textile and Craft Development Centres, equipped with advanced looms, CAD/CAM technology, dyeing and finishing units, and skill training modules,” said Kamili.
He emphasized that reviving these facilities would not only breathe new life into the Valley’s handmade carpet industry but also generate sustainable employment for thousands of artisans and weavers. “We believe this is the most effective way to bridge tradition with technology,” he added.
On the occasion, FCIK presented a comprehensive memorandum to the Ministry, outlining several key proposals for the revival and growth of the sector.
“For centuries, Kashmir has been a global epicenter of luxury textiles and crafts—renowned for Pashmina shawls, Kaniweaves, Sozni embroidery, carpets, crewel, and chain-stitch work. However, the sector is currently facing a severe crisis due to declining artisan participation, rising competition from machine-made imitations, inadequate infrastructure, poor branding, and limited market access,” the memorandum notes.
Key recommendations submitted to the Ministry include the extension and effective implementation of national schemes such as the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP), and the Handicrafts Mega Cluster Mission within Kashmir.
Special emphasis was placed on the Pashmina and wool sectors. FCIK called for the establishment of a Raw Material Bank to ensure a stable supply chain, the creation of scientific certification facilities to distinguish between handmade and machine-made products, and robust support for Geographic Indication (GI) tagging.
The Federation also advocated for cluster-based development models for key crafts like carpets, Pashmina, Kani shawls, crewel, and Sozni embroidery. These would be supported by Common Facility Centres (CFCs) offering services in design innovation, quality testing, and packaging.
Raising concerns over counterfeit carpets and shawls, FCIK called for stronger branding initiatives under the “Brand Kashmir” campaign to combat fake products, reinforce GI protection, and promote authentic Kashmiri crafts in global markets.
To strengthen artisan capacity, FCIK proposed the introduction of specialized skill development programmes, including a Master–Apprentice (Vostakar–Chatt) scheme, and closer integration of institutions like NIFT Srinagar with traditional crafts.
The Chamber also demanded comprehensive financial and infrastructure support, including interest subvention, credit-linked subsidies, and the establishment of Textile Parks tailored to the specific needs of Kashmir’s craft sectors.
Highlighting the cultural and economic importance of Kashmir’s textile heritage, FCIK stressed that the revival of carpet centres, coupled with modern technological and institutional support, could position Kashmir as a global capital of craft. Such a revival would safeguard artisan livelihoods, generate youth employment, and significantly boost exports—while preserving India’s rich civilizational legacy.