SRINAGAR: The Department of Handicraft and Handloom Kashmir acted in response to a complaint from a tourist who reported being sold a machine-made carpet falsely advertised as handmade at an exorbitant price of INR 2, 27,000.
The payment was made directly to the shopkeeper via electronic transfer.
Upon receiving the complaint, the Department immediately ceased operations of the shop involved, Craft India, located at Reram Kunzar.
The shop is owned by Mursaleen Ahmad Yatoo Son of Ghulam Rasool Yatoo, resident of S.D Colony, Sanat Nagar. Additionally, the shop has been blacklisted by the Department for its fraudulent practices.
Further investigation revealed that the shop had failed to issue a proper GST bill to the customer. Consequently, the matter has also been referred to the Sales Tax Department for further action.
The Department has seized the consignment from the shop and is currently exploring the possibility of a nexus between shopkeeper and taxi driver involved in such deceptive activities.
This action follows a recent meeting held with prominent dealers and showroom owners from the Srinagar-Narbal-Tangmarg-Gulmarg tourist corridor on 9th July, 2024.
During this meeting, stakeholders were strongly urged to avoid malpractices and the misbranding of handmade products. Specifically, a warning was issued against selling and marketing machine-made merchandise under the guise of handmade goods.
The department reiterates its commitment to upholding the integrity of Kashmir’s handicrafts and handloom sector.
All stakeholders are advised to strictly adhere to the rules governing the sector. Any deviations or malpractices will be met with stringent actions to protect the interests of genuine artisans and preserve the authenticity of Kashmir’s rich heritage.
