Srinagar, February 4 (PTI) — The Jammu and Kashmir government has ramped up efforts to combat the growing issue of unscrupulous businessmen passing off machine-made carpets as authentic handwoven Kashmiri rugs.
In response to increasing complaints from both tourists and buyers about the sale of fake carpets, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department of Kashmir has intensified its crackdown on dealers engaging in deceptive practices.
An official spokesman confirmed that a number of counterfeit carpets were seized during recent inspections, with stern warnings issued to those found violating regulations. These actions come after reports surfaced in local media about the rising prevalence of machine-made carpets from Turkey and Iran being falsely marketed as genuine Kashmiri hand-knotted pieces.
"The enforcement wing of the Quality Control Division conducted thorough inspections at several wholesale carpet dealers in Srinagar, and this exercise will continue," the spokesman stated. During these inspections, authorities discovered large quantities of Turkish and Iranian carpets, many of which were improperly labelled or completely unlabelled.
The spokesman emphasized that such practices mislead consumers about the origin and quality of the products, violating fair-trade practices. "Dealers found in violation of the Tourist Trade and Quality Control Acts will face warnings and be advised to comply with labelling standards as per prescribed specifications," he added.
The government’s crackdown aims to protect the reputation of genuine Kashmiri handmade carpets, which hold significant cultural and economic value for the region. "Regular inspections will be carried out to ensure compliance and safeguard the authenticity of Kashmiri handicrafts," the spokesman said.
Authorities have called on all stakeholders in the carpet industry to strictly adhere to established rules and regulations. "Any attempts to deceive consumers will result in stringent actions to protect both the interests of genuine artisans and the cultural heritage of Kashmir," he concluded.
The crackdown is expected to help preserve the legacy of Kashmiri carpets, which have long been regarded as one of the region's most iconic products.
In response to increasing complaints from both tourists and buyers about the sale of fake carpets, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department of Kashmir has intensified its crackdown on dealers engaging in deceptive practices.
An official spokesman confirmed that a number of counterfeit carpets were seized during recent inspections, with stern warnings issued to those found violating regulations. These actions come after reports surfaced in local media about the rising prevalence of machine-made carpets from Turkey and Iran being falsely marketed as genuine Kashmiri hand-knotted pieces.
"The enforcement wing of the Quality Control Division conducted thorough inspections at several wholesale carpet dealers in Srinagar, and this exercise will continue," the spokesman stated. During these inspections, authorities discovered large quantities of Turkish and Iranian carpets, many of which were improperly labelled or completely unlabelled.
The spokesman emphasized that such practices mislead consumers about the origin and quality of the products, violating fair-trade practices. "Dealers found in violation of the Tourist Trade and Quality Control Acts will face warnings and be advised to comply with labelling standards as per prescribed specifications," he added.
The government’s crackdown aims to protect the reputation of genuine Kashmiri handmade carpets, which hold significant cultural and economic value for the region. "Regular inspections will be carried out to ensure compliance and safeguard the authenticity of Kashmiri handicrafts," the spokesman said.
Authorities have called on all stakeholders in the carpet industry to strictly adhere to established rules and regulations. "Any attempts to deceive consumers will result in stringent actions to protect both the interests of genuine artisans and the cultural heritage of Kashmir," he concluded.
The crackdown is expected to help preserve the legacy of Kashmiri carpets, which have long been regarded as one of the region's most iconic products.