Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 9: Union Textiles Secretary, Neelam Shami Rao, today said that the Central Government will explore establishing a vibrant testing and certification system to promote high-end handicrafts and handloom products of Jammu and Kashmir.
She made these remarks during an interaction with representatives from chambers of commerce, exporters, weavers, and artisans’ associations at the Arts Emporium Office, Srinagar.
The Union Secretary discussed ongoing initiatives and proposals aimed at promoting local crafts, enhancing exports, and creating new avenues for growth, innovation, and employment generation.
Neelam Shami Rao emphasized that a strong testing and certification system would help eliminate counterfeit products, boost exports, and safeguard the unique identity of Kashmiri crafts.
In this regard she instructed that a proposal be submitted to the Union Government.
Appreciating the Government’s decision to reduce GST on textiles and handicrafts from 12% to 5%, stakeholders called for a brand campaigning for J&K handicrafts and handloom products at national and international markets, infrastructure upgradation, extension of welfare schemes for artisans, market diversification, and curbing sale of machine-made and counterfeit items from showrooms.
At the outset, the Union Secretary stressed ensuring maximum coverage of artisans under pension schemes, PF/ESIC registration, and scholarship benefits for their children.
She said that efforts are being made to diversify markets for local products, targeting Europe, the UK, and the Middle East markets.
Neelam Shami Rao said that the Government is committed to developing J&K’s textile sector with a focus on infrastructure development, skill enhancement, market expansion, and the welfare of artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs.
Union Secretary also visited the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) campus in Budgam, where she inspected various labs, auditorium, classrooms and interacted with faculty and students.
Union Secretary also virtually inaugurated the Craft Handloom Village at Kanihama, terming it a significant step towards promoting traditional crafts, tourism, and sustainable livelihoods.
Later, the Union Secretary visited the CSB Basic Seed Farm, Manasbal, where she inaugurated the CSB Seri-Tourism Project and interacted with scientists and stakeholders.
MLA Beerwah, Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani; Union Joint Secretary, MoT, Padmini Singla; Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, P. Sivakumar; Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh; Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mahiuddin Bhat; Director General NIFT, Tanu Kashyap; Director Sericulture, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat; Director Handicrafts & Handloom, Mussarat Zia; and other senior officers also accompanied the Secretary during her tour to various facilities.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary held a high-level meeting with Neelam Shami Rao to chart a forward-looking roadmap for the robust promotion and transformative development of the handicrafts, handloom and sericulture sectors in the Union Territory.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary sought the Ministry’s support to introduce advanced certificate courses in NIFT Srinagar’s craft sector, with a vision to eventually evolve them into full-fledged degree programs. He also emphasized the establishment of an incubation centre at NIFT aligned with the UT’s flagship Mission YUVA scheme, to skill and empower the youth.
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