Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Reviews Strategic Roadmap to Strengthen Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts and Handloom Sector
JAMMU, APRIL 22, 2026:- Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting today to evaluate the progress and future strategy for the large-scale promotion of the handicrafts and handloom sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the session, the Chief Secretary called for the immediate operationalization of non-functional training centers across all districts to ensure continuous skill development for local artisans.
He emphasized that these training programs must align with the National Skills Qualification Framework to provide craftsmen with globally recognized certifications.
To further support the artisan community, Dulloo directed the department to accelerate registrations on the Udyam portal and improve access to affordable credit by linking artisans with the Reserve Bank of India’s Unified Lending Interface.
He also proposed the creation of a specialized term loan product, similar to those available in the agriculture sector, to facilitate capital infusion and business growth.
The roadmap for the sector includes a heavy focus on modernization and quality assurance through increased collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology.
Chief Secretary Dulloo highlighted that short-term courses and diploma programs would help traditional craftsmen integrate modern technology into their work.
Regarding Geographical Indication tagging, he instructed the full utilization of a QR-based management system to track and trace authentic products, ensuring the system is integrated with the national MeghRaj cloud platform.
Commissioner Secretary Vikramjit Singh noted that over 4.52 lakh artisans are now registered across the Union Territory, with nearly 17,000 joining in the last year alone. Significant infrastructure projects, such as the establishment of a Craft Village in Sonpah and Common Facility Centres for wool and bamboo processing, are also underway to bolster local production capabilities.
Financial inclusion remains a core priority, with over 2,400 cases already sanctioned under the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, providing credit facilities of up to 2 lakh with interest subvention. The meeting also highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a unique national distinction by securing GI tags across its entire range of traditional crafts, with over 80,545 products now carrying QR labels to prevent counterfeiting.
Looking ahead, the administration is moving forward with the establishment of two PM Ekta Unity Malls in Srinagar and Jammu, each costing 100 crore. Land has been identified for these major retail hubs, and construction is expected to begin shortly to provide a dedicated global platform for the region’s famed hand-knotted carpets, pashminas, and other traditional crafts.