In what can be seen as a harsh deterrence to prevent fraud and bad name to Kashmir's carpet and craft industry, J&K government has issued a Notice giving Kashmir handicraft dealers a seven-day ultimatum to remove all machine-made products, largely imports from Turkey and Iran, from their Showrooms, failing which, the department warned, they will be blacklisted and even deregistered for unfair trade practice under the relevant sections of law.
The step is being seen as an unprecedented move taken by the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir in the larger interests of image and reputation of the industry renowned for this art worldwide. The step has been taken in the backdrop of one incident which came to fore wherein it was found customers having been sold machine made carpet in the name of hand made one for a very exorbitant amount.
Addressing the dealers, the Notice reads that, “you have been granted registration under the provisions of the Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Trade Act, 1978, for the sale of Kashmir handicraft products at your respective showrooms/outlets.” As part of the registration process, the Notice reads that craft dealers have submitted a duly-sworn affidavit, wherein they undertook to exclusively display and sell genuine Kashmir handicraft products at your business establishment.
The Notice further states that under ‘Violation of Rules’ section that during recent inspections conducted by this office, it was found that several dealers have breached the extant rules by displaying and selling machine-made products, misrepresented as genuine Kashmir handicrafts. Such malpractices undermine the authenticity and reputation of Kashmir handicrafts, the Notice reads.
" It has come to our notice that a dealer recently affixed a fake QR label on a machine-made carpet, misrepresenting it as a genuine handmade product. Consequently, the said dealer has been blacklisted and deregistered,” the Notice further reads.The spokesman further stated that the Notice directs concerned Kashmir Handicraft dealers to ensure all relevant documents, including G.I. labelling certifications, are prominently displayed at Craft Showrooms for inspection and sale purposes.
He further said that the Notice warned of consequences of non-compliance. It reads that failure to comply with this directive within the stipulated period shall result in appropriate action under the provisions of the J&K Tourist Trade Act, 1978, including penalties, deregistration, blacklisting or other legal measures as deemed necessary.
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