Noida, Sep 17: 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), with members calling for greater focus and targeted support to revive the industry.
The meeting, held at Hotel Radisson in Noida and chaired by CEPC Chairman Capt. 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 represent an important part of India’s cultural and craft heritage and require greater attention amid the challenges facing the traditional sector.
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).
Representatives from the carpet industry, including Vijay Thakur of Cottage Crafts of India, R. B. Mathur of Warp + Weft International, Suman Kaul of Kashyap Carpets, Ashwani Tiwari of ANA International, Qayyum Abdul of Hannan’s Oriental Rugs, Bilal Ahmad Kawoosa of Kashmir Carpet Producer Co. Ltd., Hilal Ahmad of Jansons and Sunil Bazaz of Qaleen Alishan, also attended the meeting.
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 a revised annual membership fee structure linked to export performance. Members with exports up to Rs 50 lakh will pay an annual fee of Rs 3,000, while those with exports above Rs 50 lakh and up to Rs 1 crore will pay Rs 4,500. The fee has been fixed at Rs 6,500 for exporters with turnover above Rs 1 crore and up to Rs 10 crore, and Rs 12,000 for those above Rs 10 crore.
The General Body 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.
Another decision approved at the AGM was an Export Achievement Incentive for eligible new members. Under the scheme, a new member achieving exports of Rs 50 lakh or more during the first year of membership will be eligible for reimbursement of the Rs 3,000 annual membership fee in the following year.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
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