Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon today chaired a high-level meeting with the representatives of Kashmir Economic Alliance [KEA] about the revival of original pashmina industry.
Representatives informed the Divisional Commissioner that one of Kashmir’s oldest handicraft legends and legacy, the pashmina, is threatened by its imitations as the high-priced handmade fabric is increasingly being eased out from markets by its cheap, machine-made namesake. They alleged that scores of influential traders have introduced spinning machines and power looms despite a ban imposed upon their use by the government. Moreover, this spurious pashmina gives a bad name to the original handmade Kashmiri pashmina which is known for its superior quality all over the globe.
Dr. Samoon directed spurious pashmina shawls would be replaced by the Kashmir-patented hand-woven original pashmina shawls. This would boost in pashmina manufacturing in the state and will also ensure respect and substantial remuneration to the weavers. He further directed to compile a district-wise survey about pashmina weavers so that awareness programmes will be conducted for their upliftment.
Divisional Commissioner constituted a committee for the upliftment of this Rs. 800 crore industry. Divisional Commissioner would be the chairman while as senior officers of Handicrafts, Handloom, SICOP, CDI, KVIB, JK Khadi Board, Govt Arts Emporium, FCIK, Chamber of Industries and Commerce and Deputy Commissioner, Leh, would be the members of this Powerful Committee.
