SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said the handloom and handicrafts sector provides economic security to around 4.6 lakh artisans and their families in Jammu and Kashmir, while 18 crafts have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
Sinha made the remarks while addressing the Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026, organised by the Pashmeena Entrepreneurs Makers and Artisans (PEMA) Foundation in Srinagar.
The Lieutenant Governor said the awards celebrate Jammu Kashmir’s cultural heritage and paid particular tribute to women artisans, who he said play a central role across the Pashmina production process, from refining raw fibre to embroidery.
He said the Government of India’s support for artisans would focus on fair remuneration and protection of GI tags, access to global markets through e-commerce, exhibitions and digital platforms, skill development and welfare, and financial inclusion.
The welfare measures mentioned by Sinha included healthcare, social security and modern design training, besides schemes such as MUDRA, the Credit Card Scheme and Karkhandar training initiatives.
Sinha also said a QR-based system had been developed to help establish the authenticity of handicrafts.
Recalling the previous editions of the awards held in 2023 and 2025, he said the 2026 edition was dedicated particularly to women artisans and recognised their contribution to the Pashmina tradition.
He urged artisans to adopt modern opportunities while retaining traditional craftsmanship and said the Union Territory Administration and PEMA Foundation would work together to strengthen the sector.
The ceremony was attended by Industries and Commerce Commissioner Secretary Vikramjit Singh, former J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board chairperson Hina Shafi Bhat, Director Handloom and Handicrafts Kashmir Masrat-ul-Islam, PEMA Foundation president Tariq Dar, senior officials and artisans.
Sinha congratulated the award recipients and the PEMA Foundation on the occasion.
