Jammu and Kashmir Government Launches 'JK Karigari' Marketplace for Handicrafts

Leh, India Aug 13, 2026 ALN: The Jammu and Kashmir government has officially launched "JK Karigari," a dedicated marketplace for authentic products from the region, during the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav in Delhi. This initiative is not just a marketplace; it represents a broader effort to revitalize and promote the rich cultural and artisanal heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, a region known for its exquisite craftsmanship and traditional arts.

Jammu and Kashmir has a long history of handicrafts, with artisans employing techniques passed down through generations. The region is renowned for its Pashmina shawls, intricate woodwork, and vibrant papier-mâché items, among other crafts. However, despite the high quality of these products, many artisans have struggled to find adequate market access and fair prices for their work. The "JK Karigari" marketplace aims to bridge this gap by providing a direct platform for artisans to sell their products to consumers, thereby ensuring they receive fair compensation for their craftsmanship.

This initiative marks a significant step in connecting the region's rich handcrafted heritage with national and global buyers. The platform, initiated by the Housing & Urban Development Department under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), aims to empower urban women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), preserve traditional crafts, and create sustainable livelihoods across the Union Territory. The establishment of "JK Karigari" is a reflection of the government's commitment to enhancing the socio-economic status of women artisans, who have historically faced barriers in accessing markets.

Notable attendees at the launch included MPs Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzaan, Sajjad Kichloo, and Gurvinder Singh Oberoi, along with Commissioner Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, and her team. They were joined by SHG women and officials from the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA). Their presence underscores the importance of this initiative and the collaborative efforts required to support the artisans in the region.

JK Karigari will showcase a variety of authentic Kashmiri handicrafts, including Pashmina shawls, Kani and Sozni shawls, papier-mâché items, walnut wood carvings, crewel embroidery, carpets, and organic local produce. Additionally, it will feature Jammu handicrafts such as Chabri, Macrame Home & Devotional Decor, traditional food products, and wooden crafts—all crafted by skilled artisans and SHGs. Each product will carry a QR code with artisan details, district information, and a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to ensure secure and transparent shopping, with payments going directly to the artisan groups, eliminating middlemen. This system not only enhances transparency but also empowers artisans by ensuring they receive the full value of their work.

The Commissioner Secretary described the launch as a "game changer for urban women artisans," providing them with a government-backed platform to reach customers beyond local markets. Currently, the department supports 4,000 SHGs with around 50,000 women members associated with DAY-NULM across Jammu and Kashmir. The government is also exploring ways to encourage more interstate collaborations to enhance the business of SHGs and expand their market reach. This support is crucial, as it enables artisans to scale their operations and gain recognition for their skills in a competitive marketplace.

JK Karigari is seen as a revolutionary concept that integrates heritage, technology, and inclusive growth. The primary goal of this marketplace is to ensure artisans receive fair prices for their products while consumers gain access to authentic quality items directly from the makers. By implementing QR-based traceability, pre-approval of SHGs by DAY-NULM City Mission, and secure digital transactions, the government aims to provide authenticity for buyers and sustainable income for artisans. This innovative approach not only preserves traditional crafts but also adapts them to modern consumer preferences, thereby ensuring their relevance in today’s market.

With ongoing government support and improved market linkages, these women artisans are now confidently entering larger markets with products that reflect both tradition and innovation. The initiative also emphasizes skill development, with SHG members involved in the mission having received extensive training through various capacity-building programs. This training has significantly enhanced their craftsmanship, product quality, and market readiness, positioning them as preferred sellers of authentic J&K products.

Nodal Officers of the event, Kapil Sharma and Vikas Sharma, along with Chief Executive Officer of the Urban Development Authority Kashmir, Tazayun Mukhtar, and MD of DAY-NULM, Mridhu Salathia, also addressed the gathering. They encouraged the public and institutional buyers to visit the JK Karigari stall to experience the exquisite collection of handmade products from Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the platform's role in bridging heritage craftsmanship with contemporary markets.

The launch also builds on Jammu and Kashmir's growing interstate collaborations for market access. An agreement signed on November 9, 2024, between the National Urban Livelihoods Mission, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Uttar Pradesh Handicrafts Development & Marketing Corporation Limited aims to promote SHG products and handicrafts from both regions, enhancing market linkages and supporting artisans in expanding their reach. Such collaborations are vital in creating a robust network that can sustain the livelihoods of artisans and promote their crafts on larger platforms.

During the event, SHG beneficiaries shared their experiences and expressed gratitude to the government, particularly the Housing & Urban Development Department, for providing them with a significant marketing platform, which they identified as a long-standing challenge. Their testimonies highlight the transformative potential of initiatives like JK Karigari, not only in terms of economic empowerment but also in fostering a sense of pride and identity among artisans who contribute to the cultural tapestry of Jammu and Kashmir.

The implications of this initiative extend beyond mere economic benefits. By promoting local crafts, the government is also contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional skills that are at risk of being lost in the face of globalization and mass production. Furthermore, by empowering women artisans, the initiative aligns with broader goals of gender equality and women's empowerment, which are critical for sustainable development.

In conclusion, the JK Karigari marketplace represents a significant milestone in the efforts to uplift artisans in Jammu and Kashmir. By leveraging technology, supporting skill development, and fostering market access, the initiative aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for handicrafts that honors tradition while embracing innovation. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for similar programs in other regions, contributing to the broader narrative of artisan empowerment and cultural preservation across India.