Srinagar February 10:(KNS) The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry today welcomed the step of the UT Government for launching the Geographical Indication (GI) for the famed Hand-knotted Kashmiri Carpets by  Manoj Sinha, LG, J&K. The QR code based mechanism, first of its kind in the country, for certification & labelling of Handmade Carpets of Jammu & Kashmir. Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Mr.  Ranjan Prakash & Director Industries Jammu , Ms. Anoo Malhotra, Director Industries and Commerce, Director Handicrafts & Handloom Mr. Mehmood Shah, President, KCC&I, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, Director IICT, Mr. Zubair Ahmad , Chairman CEPC, Representative’s Meeras and NIFT were there on the occasion.

 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.

On this occasion LG , Mr. Manoj Sinha also assured that administration will soon start working on Mega Carpet Village in Kashmir.

LG Mr. Manoj Sinha also facilitated UT Awardees of Handcraft & Handloom  of Jammu & Kashmir , President Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad congratulate all the Artisans for their contribution towards the Handcraft industry.(KNS)