SRINAGAR — The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) Thursday welcomed the step of Jammu and Kashmir government for launching the Geographical Indication (GI) for the famed Hand-knotted Kashmiri Carpets by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
As per a statement, the QR Code based on GI can help in checking the cheating and misbranding that has badly dented the Carpet Industry in Kashmir.
Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, President, KCC&I said that GI tagging for Kashmir Hand-made Carpets also increases exports of Kashmiri Handicrafts which are decline due to various reasons from last 3- 4 years. “This GI tagging also restores customer’s confidence, bedsides protecting authenticity of artisans. Stake Holders requested administration that maximum grants should be sanctioned to the Department for this QR code based mechanism so that we can compete with the international market.”
The GI for Kashmir hand-knotted Carpets will capture vital parameters of the Carpet viz GI user, manufacturers, Artisans, Knots per square inch, the material used etc. Indian Institute of Carpet & Technology (IICT) and MEERAS will do the necessary tagging under the ages of Handicraft and Handloom Department, he said.
On this occasion, Manoj Sinha also assured that administration will soon start working on Mega Carpet Village in Kashmir, he said.
President Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad congratulated all the Artisans for their contribution towards the Handcraft industry. — (KNO)