Srinagar : Amid rising concern over machine-made carpets being falsely marketed as genuine Kashmiri handmade rugs, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday vowed strict action against those involved. He emphasized that such deceptive practices pose a serious threat to the future of one of Kashmir’s most cherished traditional crafts.
CM Omar expressed deep concern over reports suggesting that counterfeit, power-loomed carpets are being sold to unsuspecting tourists as authentic hand-knotted Kashmiri products.
During a meeting at the Civil Secretariat with a delegation of carpet manufacturers and exporters, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed the Industries and Commerce Department to take strict action against showrooms and retailers found selling machine-made carpets as handmade Kashmiri rugs.
“These fake carpets are harming the global reputation of Kashmiri handmade carpets and severely affecting the thousands of artisan families who rely on this craft for their livelihood,” the Chief Minister said during the meeting.
The urgency of the issue intensified after the Handicrafts and Handloom Department recently sealed a carpet showroom in Tangmarg for allegedly selling a machine-made carpet worth ₹2.55 lakh as a genuine Kashmiri handmade rug, complete with a forged QR code certificate.
Sheikh Ashiq, who led the delegation, said the Chief Minister listened attentively and acknowledged the extent of the damage being caused by such malpractices.
“He assured us of strong and swift government action to protect the integrity of Kashmir’s handmade carpet industry,” Ashiq said.
Ashiq also urged the Chief Minister to promote Kashmiri handicrafts at tourism events across India and abroad. “Kashmir is known not just for its scenic beauty but also for its rich craftsmanship. Unfortunately, a few dishonest traders are tarnishing this image,” he added.
The delegation demanded that the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom be given enhanced enforcement powers to crack down on retailers mislabeling machine-made items as handmade carpets or shawls.
They also submitted a detailed memorandum warning that the unchecked circulation of imported, factory-made rugs was eroding both the credibility and the viability of Kashmir’s traditional carpet industry.
“Our handmade carpets are an integral part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage,” said Ashiq. “When imported or machine-made rugs are sold under the Kashmiri label using fake certifications, it not only deceives customers but drives thousands of artisans toward financial distress.”
The delegation called for a complete ban on the sale and display of machine-made carpets in showrooms registered under the handicraft or handloom category. They further proposed mandatory signage clearly indicating whether a carpet is handmade.
Additionally, the delegation suggested forming a joint enforcement task force—comprising government officials and industry stakeholders—to inspect showrooms, monitor sales, and initiate legal action against violators.
The industry also demanded tighter control on imports and higher tariffs on foreign machine-made carpets, particularly those being repackaged and sold as Kashmiri products in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Goa.
“This is a fight for our survival,” said Farooq Ahmad Shah. “If urgent steps aren’t taken, we risk losing one of Kashmir’s most treasured crafts.”
Other members of the delegation included Faiz Nissar (Carpet Export Promotion Council, Srinagar), Firdous Ahmad and Fayaz Ahmad Wani (Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organisation), Ghulam Nabi Dar (MEERAS Carpet Weavers Cooperative Ltd), and Farooq Ahmad Shah (General Secretary, Kashmir Carpet Manufacturers Association). [In his meeting with the carpet manufacturers and exporters].
