SRINAGAR, Sept 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday described Pashmina artisans as the “true custodians” of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage and called for fair remuneration, social security, global market access and greater institutional support for the traditional craft sector.
Addressing the Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026 organised by the Pashmeena Entrepreneurs Makers and Artisans (PEMA) Foundation at SKICC, Sinha said the awards celebrated not only individual artisans but an artistic tradition that has brought recognition to J&K and India.
He highlighted the generations of artisans who have preserved intricate techniques such as Kani and Sozni embroidery, stressing the important role of women in passing traditional skills from one generation to another.
Sinha said the handmade craft sector faces challenges from machine-made products, inadequate remuneration, limited digital market access, raw material availability and changing consumer preferences.
He said the Government of India and J&K administration were committed to supporting artisans through fair remuneration and protection of GI tags, access to global markets through e-commerce and exhibitions, skill development and welfare measures, and financial inclusion through schemes such as MUDRA, the J&K Credit Card Scheme and Karkhandar initiatives.
The Lieutenant Governor said the economic value of Pashmina products should reflect the months or years of labour and skill invested in their creation.
Referring to authentication measures, he said 18 crafts have received GI tags and a QR-based system had been developed to help establish product authenticity.
Sinha stressed the need for stronger social security, healthcare and modern design training for artisan families, while urging cooperation among the PEMA Foundation and concerned government departments to strengthen the sector.
He also called upon young artisans to embrace modern opportunities while preserving traditional craftsmanship and congratulated the award winners for their contribution to J&K’s handicraft heritage.