SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting of stakeholders to promote the Pashmina trade here in J&K. The meeting, besides Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, was attended by Director Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir; other concerned officers and private players belonging into this trade.

At the outset of the meeting, the Chief Secretary enquired about different measures taken by the Department to promote this significant sector of handicrafts here in J&K. He observed that this craft has a very high potential and if tapped optimally can bring employment and substantial revenue to both the craftsmen and those associated with the trade.

Dulloo also underscored the need for taking steps to restrict the marketing of counterfeit items on the name of Pashmina. He stressed on marking genuine Pashmina products with GI tags so that there is no difficultly in identification of the same. He asked for employing modern technology for achieving the desired results along with augmenting the testing capacity of labs for slashing the waiting time considerably.

In his presentation the Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, Mehmood Shah enumerated different achievements of the Department registered during the past weeks in reviving Pashmina sector and giving it a big push to grow here.

It was revealed that the Department had succeeded in getting the sanction of Rs 5 Cr for establishment of Common Facility Centre (CFC) for Pashmina artisans here at Srinagar. In addition to that Rs 2 Cr had been secured for establishment of Pashmina Bank for round the year availability of raw material and 51 lakhs for the establishment of wool bank for creating a hub for efficient and quality wool processing in the valley.

Moreover it was given out that the Departmental committees  has worked out the rates for procurement of Pashmina and Wool also which is going to enable the process of procurement for its further processing and manufacture of finished goods at the hands of artisans here.

Furthermore the Department featured several measures in progress that are going to rejuvenate this sector much beyond its present status. It was added that the Department has framed an action plan to be submitted for large scale development of this sector in J&K.

It was added that the plan includes establishment of more Raw Material Banks, de-hairing centres and Advanced Testing Labs of Higher Capacity besides using QR codes for identification of Genuine Products, better marketing and packaging avenues and participation in national and international trade fairs providing direct benefit to the craftsmen associated with this trade.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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