Associated News Bureau

Ladakh Launches GI Certification Drive to Strengthen Recognition of Local Handloom and Handicraft Products

Leh, August 28, 2026: The Department of Handloom & Handicrafts, Leh, organised a GI User Certification Awareness Camp at the Handloom Leh Office Complex facilitate local artisans, producers and other stakeholders in securing Authorised User certification for Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products of Ladakh. The camp was organised under the leadership of Director, Industries & Commerce, Shri Sonam Nurboo, JKAS, in the presence of the Assistant Director, Handicrafts & Handlooms, Leh. The department had initiated an Authorised User registration drive a few days ago for GI-tagged products of Ladakh, particularly Ladakh Pashmina, with the objective of enabling local artisans, producers, entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives to obtain GI User Certification. More than 20 artisans and producers participated in the awareness camp and received assistance in filling out and submitting their applications, besides completing the requisite documentation for onward submission to the GI Registry. Applicants who had already begun the registration process were also assisted in verifying and completing their pending documents. The initiative is aimed at expanding the registration of local artisans and producers as Authorised Users, thereby strengthening the GI ecosystem in Ladakh and enhancing the authenticity, traceability and market recognition of the region’s GI-tagged products. During his visit to the Handloom Office premises, Director Industries & Commerce Sonam Nurboo interacted with departmental officials and reviewed the support being extended to artisans and producers. He stressed the importance of ensuring efficient and accessible delivery of services and directed officials to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism and commitment. He also emphasised the need to facilitate the GI registration process effectively and strengthen institutional support for the local handloom and handicrafts sector. The Department of Handloom & Handicrafts, Leh, said it would continue organising awareness and facilitation programmes to encourage more artisans, producers, SHGs and cooperatives associated with GI-tagged products to avail themselves of the benefits of Authorised User registration.