Srinagar, Sep 12: Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Jammu and Kashmir Vikramjit Singh on Saturday visited the Production Carpet Weaving Centre of Meeras Cooperative Society at Ashayeebagh, Hazratbal Road, Srinagar, accompanied by Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir Masrat Ul Islam and Director, IICT Nowshera.
During the visit, the Commissioner Secretary interacted with carpet weavers and the Board of Directors and stressed the need to enrol maximum artisans and weavers from across Kashmir as members of the cooperative, enabling them to access the benefits of various government schemes. He also called for wider outreach to bring more artisans within the cooperative’s ambit.
He advised the management to maximise benefits under the RAMP Scheme of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and explore support available through NABARD’s REPO scheme for eligible off-farm producer institutions.
Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir Masrat Ul Islam apprised the participants about government schemes that can support weavers and manufacturers and assured all possible assistance from the government.
Farooq Ahmad Shah, President Meeras, emphasised the need for maximum utilisation of the GI tag for Kashmir carpets through effective branding and promotion.
Sheikh Ashiq, Patron Meeras and COA Member, CPEC India, stressed the importance of expanding exports and called for a dedicated export policy benefiting both weavers and manufacturers.
The visit underscored the need to strengthen artisan participation, scheme outreach, GI-based promotion and international market access for Kashmir’s carpet industry.
