Srinagar, Dec 28 : A special inspection drive was conducted in respect of the Copper manufacturing units and establishments, operating in various areas of Srinagar City viz Solina, Rambagh Nowgam, Natipopra and Habbakadal area today along with representatives of The Kashmir Copper Workers Trade union, to check the adherence of the copperware manufacturers/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 course of inspection, the dealers/manufacturers found violating the norms of the above said act, were warned of serious consequences in case they continue the illegal/prohibited machine manufacturing of specified Copper ware items. The dealers were warned of serious legal consequences they may have to face if they indulge in misbranding of specified Copper ware items. All the dealers/manufacturers have assured of 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 above said 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.
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. Any customer can know about the origin/mode of manufacture of the product by simply scanning the QR label pasted on it. The teams of Quality Control division visit the business locations for labelling of Handmade Copper Ware items and the facility is being provided to the Coperware artisans at their door steps.
Through the medium of this release all the Copper Ware dealers are hereby informed that they should carry on their business of the Notified Copper Ware items in accordance to the provisions of the above said act, and they shall invariably refrain from misbranding of machine made copper ware items. They shall ensure QR based labelling of every Notified craft products. In case of any violations of the standing instructions, the department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir shall initiate the necessary penal action against the defaulting dealers in accordance to the penal provisions of the above said act, which include confiscation/seizure of the specified machine made Copperware products, sealing of the manufacturingunit/establishemnt and initiation of legal proceedings.(KNS)
