The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) government is taking decisive action to protect its famed handicraft industry from the proliferation of counterfeit goods. The Department of Handicrafts & Handloom (JKDHH) has issued a notice mandating that all registered handicraft dealers remove machine-made products from their showrooms within seven days, or face blacklisting and deregistration. This unprecedented move aims to preserve the authenticity, reputation, and cultural heritage associated with Kashmiri handicrafts, and ensure fair treatment for artisans.
The directive specifically targets machine-made items, largely imported from Turkey and Iran, that are being misrepresented as authentic Kashmiri handmade crafts. The JKDHH has warned that any violation or misbranding, including the use of fake QR codes or removal of machine-made labels, will attract strict penalties under the Quality Control Act, J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, GI Act, as well as the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.
This action follows growing complaints from buyers and tourists who have been sold machine-made carpets falsely marketed as authentic Kashmiri hand-knotted products. Recent inspections revealed that several dealers were breaching existing regulations by displaying and selling these misrepresented items. Penalties have already been imposed on defaulting dealers in accordance with the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1978. To further ensure compliance, inspection squads have been visiting showrooms in city centers, warning dealers to remove machine-made products immediately or face blacklisting and deregistration.
The government is also emphasizing the importance of Geographical Indication (GI) labeling. Many Kashmiri handicrafts are registered under the Geographical Indication of Goods Act to protect their origin and quality. The department has introduced GI-based QR labeling for various crafts and has instructed dealers to prominently display all relevant documents, including GI labeling certifications, at their showrooms for inspection and sale purposes. A recent case involving a dealer who affixed a fake QR label on a machine-made carpet, misrepresenting it as a genuine handmade product, resulted in immediate blacklisting and deregistration.
The sale of counterfeit products poses a significant threat to the handicraft sector. It undermines the livelihoods of artisans who rely on traditional techniques passed down through generations. These fake products are often made using cheaper materials and machine-made processes, misleading consumers and devaluing genuine craftsmanship. The erosion of trust in the Kashmir brand can have lasting damage on how Kashmiri handicrafts are perceived globally.
Recognizing the importance of the handicraft sector to the region's economy and cultural identity, the government is committed to providing support to artisans. The JKDHH has several welfare schemes, including the Credit Scheme, Karkhana Dar, and Mudra Scheme, to help artisans access loans without interest. By cracking down on counterfeit products and promoting genuine Kashmiri handicrafts, the J&K government aims to protect the interests of artisans, preserve the region's cultural heritage, and ensure that customers receive authentic, high-quality products.
