Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 12: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) today expressed serious concern over the sale of machine-made products falsely presented as handmade handicrafts to the tourists.
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During a press conference, the KCC&I president, Javed Ahmad Bhat (Tenga) condemned this malpractice, stating that it undermines the very foundation of Kashmir’s traditional handicraft industry.
“We are committed to taking necessary steps to protect, preserve, and promote our handicrafts, which are renowned worldwide for their high-quality materials and unmatched craftsmanship,” he said.
The president highlighted that some unscrupulous traders are selling machine-made items under the guise of genuine handicrafts to make quick profits. “While the Chamber does not oppose the sale of machine-made products, it cannot tolerate these items being misrepresented as authentic Kashmir handicrafts, which damages the reputation of our traditional crafts,” he added.
To address the issue, he said KCC&I has proposed that shopkeepers, dealers, and showroom owners clearly label their merchandise to distinguish between authentic handmade products and machine-made goods. “The Chamber urges handicraft traders to attach proper labels to their products, detailing the description and composition, to maintain transparency,” he said.
Tenga also underscored the crucial role handicrafts play in the state’s economy, providing employment to a wide range of people, from artisans to export houses. However, in recent times, KCC&I has received numerous complaints from tourists who were deceived into buying machine-made products sold as Kashmir handicrafts
He warned traders engaging in such unethical practices to cease immediately. He said the Chamber plans to deploy special squads to identify and expose these traders in both print and electronic media. “We will recommend strict action against those found guilty, including blacklisting by relevant Government agencies and departments,” he added.
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