Carpet Export Promotion Council flags decline of Kashmir’s handmade carpet sector
New Delhi: The decline of Kashmir’s traditional handmade carpet sector came under discussion at the 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, with members calling for greater focus and targeted support to revive the industry.
The meeting, chaired by CEPC Chairman Mukesh Gombar, stressed the need to promote Kashmir’s handmade carpets through stronger marketing, greater participation in national and international exhibitions, improved branding, skill development and better access to markets.
Members said handmade carpets from Kashmir require greater attention amid the challenges facing the traditional sector.
The General Body adopted the Council’s audited balance sheet and income and expenditure accounts for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, along with the Auditor’s Report.
It also approved elections for one-third of the members of the Committee of Administration from various categories. The election notification will be issued on November 2, 2026, with polling scheduled to be held in December.
The AGM was attended by CEPC Vice-Chairman Aslam Mahboob, members of the Committee of Administration Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, Mohd. Wasif Ansari, Anil Kumar Singh, Sanjay Gupta, Piyush Kumar Baranwal, Bodh Raj Malhotra, Rohit Gupta, Mahavir Pratap Sharma, Mehraj Yasin Jan and Shukat Khan, besides Dr Smita Nagarkoti, Executive Director-cum-Secretary (Officiating).
