Category: BUSINESS

Bashir Ahmad Dar & Mehraj ud din Pir won first prize in Annual UT Level Awards during 2024 & 2025

GANDERBAL, NOVEMBER 28: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore today felicitated the two award winning Willow Wicker craftsmen of the district in his office chamber, here.

Both the craftsmen had won first prize in Annual UT Level Awards for Willow Wicker category which is the ODOP (One District One Product) of District Ganderbal, in the year 2024 & 2025. They have also received a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each.

Bashir Ahmad Dar of Pirpora Ganderbal had won first prize in Annual UT Level Award – 2023 and had received an award during the 60th Jubilee of World Craft Council on 26th of November, 2024.

Likewise, Mehraj ud din Pir of Pirpora Ganderbal has also won first prize in Annual UT Level Award for year 2024.

Officials of Handicrafts and Handloom department Ganderbal were present on the occasion.

Manzoor A. Khan & Khawaja Nazir Ali honoured in carpet weaving, sozni embroidery; 2 others get special mention

Awards ceremony at New Delhi on Dec 9

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 27: Adding yet another badge of honour on its already coveted robe, 02 master craftsmen have brought glory to Kashmir by winning the prestigious National Award in the handicrafts category, recently announced by the Union Ministry of Textiles.
Manzoor Ahmad Khan, from Rainawari and Khawaja Nazir Ali, from Alamgiri Bazar, Srinagar, shall be conferred with the National Award by the Hon’ble President of India for excellence in the field of hand-knotted carpet weaving and sozni embroidery at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on December 09, next month.
In a press release issued here today, a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, thanked the Ministry of Textiles for bestowing the honour and congratulated the two master craftsmen for bringing laurels to Kashmir Handicrafts, which are famous for its intricate designs and vibrant colours all over the world. “We are elated on their recognition for their immense contribution in taking crafts like sozni and carpet weaving to the next level,” he added.
Quoting Field Officer, in the office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Sheikh Rafiq, the spokesman stated that the awards come with a citation and a cash prize of ₹2.00 lakh cheque. “Apart from the winners, two more craftsmen, Mashkoora Hameed from Budgam in sozni embroidery and Mir Arshad Hussain from Srinagar, in papier mache, have won special mention and have been invited to the function at Vigyan Bhawan,” he added.
Manzoor Ahmad Khan, a renowned weaver of hand-knotted carpet, was recently conferred first prize in UT Awards for the year 2024, at SKICC on Tuesday. “He also participated in the first edition of Know Your Artisan at Jhelum Riverfront and will also be actively engaged in Guru-Shishya Hastashilp Prashikshan Programme for Kupwara by Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Srinagar,” he added.
Khawaja Nazir Ali has also distinguished himself in the field of sozni embroidery in recognition of which he has been honoured with the prestigious National Award.
Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, also showered praise on the awardees and added that this recognition will provide traction to the famed handicrafts and handlooms of Kashmir and help in targeting newer niche markets, especially in South East Asia.
The Department shall shortly organize a function to felicitate the awardees and also those who have special mention by the office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles.

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 concluded on a highly successful note, registering on-the-spot sales amounting approximately Rs. 13.50 crore and generating 6000+ business leads for the participating exhibitors.
These results underscore the strong market response to Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse product range, including world-renowned handicrafts, handlooms, agricultural and horticultural products, as well as the growing confidence of buyers and trade visitors in the quality, authenticity and competitiveness of products from the region.
Resounding the success of previous editions, this year’s Pavilion was strengthened with enhanced branding and extensive publicity of J&K’s unique, ODOP and GI-certified products, with promotional displays placed not only across the venue but also at prominent external locations, significantly amplifying the visibility and drawing an even larger and more diverse crowd throughout the fair. This heightened attention transformed the Pavilion into a vibrant hub of culture, creativity and commerce, consistently attracting the domestic and international visitors. The steady engagement facilitated meaningful business interactions for artisans, women entrepreneurs, startups, FPOs, SHGs and cooperative societies. The substantial sales turnover and sizeable pipeline of business leads generated are expected to convert into repeat orders, long-term buyer, seller relationships and expanded market access, ultimately contributing to income generation, employment creation, and inclusive economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior officials lauded the coordinated efforts of participating departments, corporations and partner agencies in curating a vibrant and business-oriented showcase that effectively blended culture with commerce.
The Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) reaffirmed its commitment towards extending sustained handholding support to exhibitors for follow-up on leads, participation in future trade fairs and integration with broader export promotion and market linkage initiatives. This will further consolidate Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a reliable sourcing destination for high-quality products.
The strong sales and lead generation at the Jammu and Kashmir Pavilion have also validated the strategic approach of onboarding a diverse mix of exhibitors, including artisans, women-led enterprises, startup ventures, FPOs, SHGs and cooperative societies, who together presented a comprehensive basket of products to the buyers from across India and abroad. The encouraging response from the retail visitors, bulk buyers, e-commerce platforms and institutional purchasers is expected to translate into repeat orders, new market tie-ups and wider brand recall for Jammu and Kashmir’s authentic handicrafts, handlooms, agro and food products in the months ahead.
Looking ahead to IITF 2026, JKTPO plans to further scale up participation from Jammu and Kashmir by onboarding a larger and more diversified pool of exhibitors, deepening sectoral representation and introducing new product lines aligned with emerging market trends. Efforts will focus on enhanced buyer outreach, more structured B2B meetings, digital and e-commerce integration, and stronger branding of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique value propositions, ensuring that the Pavilion not only sustains but surpasses the current year’s performance while creating wider and more durable market opportunities for stakeholders from the Union Territory.

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 27: J&K Bank has announced that the Board-of-Directors, in a meeting held on 26th November 2025, has approved raising capital aggregating up to Rs 1250 Crore to strengthen the Bank’s balance sheet and support its future growth plans.
In a regulatory filing, the Bank said that the capital raise comprises Rs 750 Crore of Equity Share Capital through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) in one or more tranches and Rs 500 Crore through issuance of Non-Convertible, Redeemable, Unsecured, BASEL III-compliant Tier 2 bonds in the nature of debentures on a private placement basis, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.
Commenting on the Board’s decision, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, “The approval to raise fresh capital underscores the Board’s confidence in the Bank’s trajectory and strengthens our ability to pursue calibrated growth. The infusion will further enhance our capital adequacy, support business expansion across key sectors, enhance our ability to absorb risk thereby reinforcing our long-term commitment to improved asset quality, profitability, and shareholder value.”
He further added, “The leadership remains focused on building a strong, resilient and future-ready Bank by strengthening its ability to grow sustainably while meeting future business and regulatory requirements.”

Bring Pride to Bhaderwah’s Rich Craft Heritage

DODA, NOVEMBER 26: In a proud moment for the artisan community of District Doda, two talented women artisans from Bhaderwah— Ramna Devi and Aniza Mushtaq—have been honoured with prestigious UT Level Handicrafts Artisans Awards 2024–25.

Their achievements highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and cultural richness of the region.

Showcasing the traditional art of Kora Dabka, a unique and centuries-old craft indigenous to Bhaderwah, Ramna Devi bagged the 1st Prize, receiving a cash award of ₹50,000 along with a certificate of recognition. This marks a historic moment as Kora Dabka has been acknowledged for the first time at the UT level, bringing long-awaited recognition to this rare and intricate craft form.

Similarly, Aniza Mushtaq earned distinction by winning the 2nd Prize in Paper Machie Craft, receiving ₹30,000 and a certificate. Her creative excellence reflects the vibrant artistic talent nurtured in the Doda region, further strengthening the district’s reputation in the field of traditional handicrafts.

The Department of Handicrafts, Doda, extended heartfelt congratulations to both artisans, appreciating their dedication, skill and contribution to preserving the cultural legacy of Bhaderwah. Their achievements are expected to inspire many young artisans to pursue traditional crafts and uplift the local handicraft sector.

25 out of 50 carpet training centres covered in Phase 1 under CAPEX 2025-26

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 26: Complimenting the Union Ministry of Textiles’ efforts towards revival of carpet industry, the Handicrafts and Handlooms Department, Kashmir, has procured 25 Modified Modern Steel Looms for its Carpet Weaving Training Centres in Phase 1, under CAPEX 2025-26.
This comes as a top up to the 100 additional carpet looms for beneficiary weavers, sanctioned by the Ministry of Textiles for the current financial year, under its ‘Wool Processing Scheme’ of the Central Wool Development Board.
Sharing details in a press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the Department stated that 25 training centres out of 50 shall be provided the modified looms, facilitating better hands-on training to the youth. “In Phase 2, the remaining 25 training centres will also be provided with the modified looms, with funding released by the Government,” he added.
The spokesman further stated that the new steel looms have been designed with suitable back-rest, powered with comfortable seating arrangement and leg space for the trainees, factoring in health concerns. “These efforts shall go a long way in reviving the famed hand-knotted carpet industry, which has already secured GI registration, based on the source of origin and the unique Taleem feature imbibed in the carpet weaving craft,” he added.

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), under the aegis of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, presented the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025 with the theme “EK BHARAT, SHRESHTHA BHARAT”.

Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, inaugurated the event.

The J&K Pavilion, located on the 1st Floor of Hall No. 3 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from November 14 to 27. The Pavilion offers a dynamic platform for around 140 exhibitors, including women entrepreneurs, specially-abled business owners and cooperative societies, to showcase their diverse range of products. It highlights Jammu and Kashmir’s world-renowned Geographical Indication (GI)–tagged products such as Saffron, Pashmina Shawls, Kani Shawls, Sozni Embroidery, Basohli Paintings, Kashmiri Carpets and Paper Mâché crafts, each reflecting the region’s authenticity and artistic excellence.

A special celebration, ‘Jammu and Kashmir Day,’ was held on November 22, 2025, at Amphitheatre One, featuring the cultural performances dedicated to celebrate the culture, craft and heritage of J&K. The event strengthened J&K’s presence on the national stage while celebrating its artistic richness and entrepreneurial excellence.

JKTPO continues to uphold transparency and inclusivity in promoting the local enterprises. With participation of key organizations such as J&K Industries Limited and the State Handloom & Handicrafts Development Corporation, the Pavilion exemplifies the seamless harmony of tradition and innovation that defines Jammu and Kashmir.

Over the past three years, JKTPO has significantly expanded the participation of artisans, farmers and entrepreneurs in national exhibitions and trade fairs, including IITF. The number of exhibitors has grown remarkably from fewer than 30 participants a few years ago to over 140 in 2025.

During the previous edition, in 2024, approximately 110 exhibitors represented J&K at IITF. This consistent growth reflects rising enthusiasm among the J&K’s business community to present their products on prestigious national platforms.

The participants have not only gained extensive exposure but secured valuable business leads and confirmed orders, fostering long-term and sustainable trade relationships. On-the-spot sales have risen significantly, offering direct financial gains and enhancing exhibitors’ confidence. This strong buyer interest, coupled with the overwhelming footfall at the Jammu and Kashmir Pavilion, further underscored its growing national appeal.

The Pavilion remained consistently crowded with the visitors eager to experience the region’s rich craft heritage, authentic GI-tagged products and vibrant cultural presentations. The enthusiastic public response not only amplified sales and business opportunities but also reinforced the Pavilion’s standing as one of the most sought-after attractions at IITF 2025. This continued success reaffirms the Government’s commitment to empowering local talent and nurturing a sustainable ecosystem that champions heritage, innovation and enterprise.

Lauds Artisans as custodians of Heritage, pledges sector revival under CM Omar Abdullah’s leadershi

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 25:Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today honoured 38 outstanding craftsmen and artisans with the UT-Level Artisan and Weaver Awards–2024 for their exemplary contribution to preserving and innovating Jammu and Kashmir’s celebrated handicraft traditions.

The awards conferred by Handicrafts and Handloom Department were presented at a grand ceremony held at SKICC, Srinagar.

The event was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, Director Handicrafts and Handloom Department Kashmir, Mussarat ul Islam, senior government officials, dignitaries, and members of the artisan and business community.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government is fully committed to transforming the Handicrafts and Handloom sector into a vibrant economic pillar.

He noted that these awards not only celebrate craftsmanship but also motivate artisans to push creative boundaries and continue their invaluable service to society.

“The Artisan Awards reinforce the profound cultural and economic significance of J&K’s craft traditions, which sustain livelihoods and shape our identity on the global stage,” he said.

Appreciating the department for its efforts, the Deputy Chief Minister added, “This event reflects our dedication to giving artisans the respect and recognition they truly deserve. They are our pride, the custodians of our heritage and traditions. Under the able leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Jenab Omar Abdullah Sahib, we will leave no stone unturned in addressing sectoral challenges and elevating this backbone of our economy to new heights.”

Of the 38 awardees, 20 belong to Kashmir Division and 18 to Jammu Division, selected through a rigorous evaluation across ten notified craft categories. Each category carried three awards, with winners receiving citations, certificates, and cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000, enabling them to further enhance their craft.

Delivering the inaugural address, Vikramjit Singh highlighted the department’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the sector.

“The Industries and Commerce Department is extending comprehensive support for the upliftment of our artisan community. We are intensifying efforts to revive the sector, showcase the brilliance of our artisans, and connect them with global markets.”

A departmental spokesperson noted that the sector supports over 3.80 lakh artisans and weavers, contributing more than ₹1500 crore annually to J&K’s economy. He added that artisans from the UT have earned prestigious national honours such as the Padma Shri and Shilp Guru Awards, and have captivated global audiences from Paris to New York.

Recent interventions, including skill enhancement workshops, Know Your Artisan initiative, digital marketplaces, and GI tagging, have significantly strengthened market outreach, contributing to a ₹500 crore boost in exports through participation in multiple global trade fairs this year.

DC Directs Strict Enforcement to Protect Environment, Public Health & Agricultural Land

BUDGAM, NOVEMBER 24: Under the guidance of the Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, the District Administration Budgam has intensified its ongoing enforcement drive against illegal brick kilns operating without authorization or violating environmental and land-use regulations.

Today civil administration, supported by police authorities, dismantled three illegal brick kilns in village Mulshulla of Tehsil Beerwah. These units were found contributing substantially to air pollution, causing health hazards to the local population, and degrading productive agricultural land by rendering it barren.

The district administration has reiterated that such illegal activities will not be allowed to operate at the cost of public health, ecological safety, and agricultural sustainability.

The District Administration has urged all owners of illegal brick kilns to voluntarily dismantle their structures on their own, failing which strict legal and enforcement action will be taken against them.

The operation was supervised on ground by SDM Beerwah, Toufeeq Gazi, along with Tehsildar Beerwah, SDPO Magam, and other concerned civil and police officers of the sub-division, ensuring smooth execution and adherence to legal procedures.

Local residents appreciated action of the district administration and urged that such drives should continue in the interest of public health and environmental protection.

The District Administration Budgam has reaffirmed that firm, coordinated and sustained action will continue across all tehsils to curb unauthorized brick kiln operations and safeguard the district’s environmental and agricultural resources.

38 artisans to be honoured for keeping craft heritage alive

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 24: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department is all set to confer the annual UT Artisan Awards for the year 2024 amongst the selected craft-persons, who have kept the famed handicrafts legacy alive in Jammu & Kashmir.

Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who is also Minister In-Charge Industries & Commerce, shall distribute the coveted awards here at the picturesque SKICC on November 25, in presence of the Commissioner/ Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh.

In a press release issued here today, a spokesman of the Department stated that 38 artisans and weavers, 20 from Kashmir and 18 from Jammu Division respectively, shall be conferred with the prestigious UT Artisan Awards in different notified crafts, who have been selected by the Government. “All arrangements have been made at SKICC Auditorium for the gala function. The award for the artisans shall accompany a citation and cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000 & ₹20,000 for first three places in each craft,” he added.

Identifying welfare of artisans and weavers as the primary objective of the department, the spokesman asserted that the coveted annual Artisan Awards distribution is an effort of the Government to recognize the contribution of our artisan community who toil hard to keep the handicrafts heritage alive in Jammu & Kashmir. “Apart from UT Aryisan Awards, which are given out annually, our artisans have regularly brought laurels for J&K by winning the prestigious Padma and Shilp Guru Awards at the national level. “Even in the international arena, our artisans have distinguished themselves by capturing the eyes of the art connoisseurs,” he added.

The spokesman further stated that the selection of entries for UT Artisan Awards for the year 2025 is already in process.