SRINAGAR: A special inspection drive was conducted in respect of the Copper manufacturing units and establishments operating in various areas of Srinagar City today, along with representatives of the Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union.
The drive was carried in the areas of Solina, Rambagh Nowgam, Natipopra and Habbakadal, with the objective to check the adherence of the Copperware manufacturers and traders to the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Prohibition on manufacture of specified Copper utensils (By Machine) Act 2006, and to stop the misbranding of machine made specified copper utensils, which is affecting the livelihood of handicraft workers engaged in handmade production of copper utensils.
During the inspection, dealers and manufacturers found violating the norms of the Act, were warned of serious consequences in case they continue the illegal/prohibited machine manufacturing of specified copperware items. The dealers were warned of serious legal consequences they may have to face if they indulge in the misbranding of specified Copperware items. All the dealers and manufacturers have assured their full support with the ongoing efforts of the department to stop the misbranding of notified craft products.
In terms of the provisions of the Act, there is a complete prohibition on manufacturing by machine of 24 specified copper utensils in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The department has initiated various steps to safeguard the interests of artisans manufacturing Copperware items by hand.
In this regard, the department has launched an ambitious program of QR based labelling of the Copperware items, to ensure the certification and authenticity of the handmade Copperware products. The teams of Quality Control division visited the business locations for labelling of handmade Copperware items and the facility is being provided to the Copperware artisans at their door steps.
The department has urged all the copperware dealers to conduct their businesses strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act and shall invariably refrain from misbranding of machine-made copperware items. It was further emphasized that QR-based labelling of every notified craft products shall be ensured.
