SRINAGAR, August 20, 2025 : Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, today chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat to discuss key issues raised by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to CM, Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, S. Vikramjit Singh, Director, Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir, Mussrat Islam, and KCCI President, Javed Tenga, among others.
Focus on Handicrafts & Handloom Sector
Raising concerns over the recent notices issued to Kashmir Handicrafts showrooms, KCCI sought clarity on the sale of machine-made products alongside handcrafted items. The Chamber also pressed for speedy testing and certification of GI products at the PTQCC lab, Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan.
The Advisor was informed that the notices followed complaints from tourists about being misled into buying machine-made imitations. In one case, a showroom was blacklisted for selling counterfeit products with a fake GI label.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment to protect Kashmiri artisans and weavers, Nasir Aslam Wani directed the department to prepare a comprehensive proposal ensuring the interests of both artisans and business stakeholders. He suggested that sale of machine-made products may be permitted only if properly labeled and segregated, to maintain transparency and prevent deception.
He also urged KCCI to sensitize traders about safeguarding the reputation of authentic Kashmiri crafts, warning that strict action would be taken against mislabeling, misbranding, and deceptive practices.
Testing & Lab Upgradation
Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, briefed the Advisor about steps to modernize the PTQCC lab, including installation of a new digital microscope, with plans to acquire SEM and additional high-resolution microscopes to speed up GI product testing.
Concerns on Food Safety
The KCCI delegation also highlighted the adverse impact of sub-standard meat being sold by unscrupulous suppliers, which is hurting genuine hoteliers and restaurateurs. They urged the Government to track down and act against the entire supply chain of such unsafe products.
In response, the Advisor assured that the Government is taking strict measures to curb unsafe food supply. He stressed that public confidence in food safety can only be strengthened when businesses themselves adopt hygienic practices and educate consumers, as public health remains paramount.
