SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the Industries and Commerce Department to take strict action against showrooms and retail outlets selling machine-made carpets under the guise of genuine Kashmiri hand-knotted products. Terming the practice as a direct threat to the global reputation of Kashmiri handicrafts, he warned that such counterfeits undermine the livelihood of artisans and damage the identity of the region’s prized heritage.
The Chief Minister’s remarks came during a meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, where a delegation comprising representatives from the Carpet Export Promotion Council, Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, Meeras Carpet Weavers Cooperative, Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organization, and Kashmir Carpet Manufacturers Association called for stringent enforcement against misbranding and sale of fake products.
The delegations also highlighted the misuse of Geographical Indication (GI) labels on machine-made carpets and demanded immediate prohibition of such practices, especially in handicrafts-registered showrooms. They stressed that preserving the authenticity of Kashmiri carpets is essential to sustaining thousands of artisan families.
Meanwhile, delegations from across sectors met the Chief Minister to present their concerns. A group from Manigam, Ganderbal requested protection of land for future institutional use. A Human Resources agency delegation sought release of pending emoluments from the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board. Dental surgeons also called for the creation and filling up of vacant posts.
MLAs from Sopore and Trehgam also met the Chief Minister to discuss developmental issues in their respective constituencies.
A delegation from the Private Schools’ Association raised several issues, including the establishment of the State School Standards Authority (SSSA), simplification and timely issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to private schools, the lease-deed requirement for rented institutions, and ensuring the minimum number of working days in the academic calendar. They also requested representation in government committees dealing with education.
Responding to the concerns regarding delays in service delivery and NOCs, CM Omar Abdullah referred to the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) review meeting held on Tuesday, where he had directed all Administrative Secretaries to conduct monthly reviews and enforce strict timelines under PSGA for public services.
