PEMA Foundation calls on Lieutenant Governor
Seeks Support for Women-Centric Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026 and Measures to Boost Pashmina Exports
Srinagar, June 5: A delegation of the PEMA Foundation called on the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, at Raj Bhavan on 31 May 2026 and discussed a range of issues concerning the welfare of artisans, promotion of Kashmir Pashmina, and strengthening of export opportunities for the sector.
During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Lieutenant Governor about the Foundation’s proposal to organize the Pashmina Artisan Awards 2026 during September/October this year. The Foundation informed that the upcoming edition of the awards is proposed to be dedicated exclusively to women artisans in recognition of their immense contribution to the Kashmir Pashmina industry. The delegation highlighted that women artisans constitute the backbone of the sector and play a crucial role in spinning, weaving, embroidery, and various allied activities that preserve and sustain this centuries-old heritage craft.
The delegation conveyed its gratitude for the continued patronage extended by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to the Pashmina Artisan Awards, which were successfully organized in 2023 and 2025 under his esteemed guidance and support. The awards have emerged as an important platform for recognizing excellence among artisans and encouraging younger generations to remain associated with the craft.
The PEMA Foundation also submitted suggestions aimed at strengthening the global position of Kashmir Pashmina. The delegation requested the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor to advocate with the Government of India for granting handmade Kashmir Pashmina a special recognition as a “Luxury Product of India” under national export promotion initiatives. Such recognition, it was noted, would help position Kashmir Pashmina among the world’s most prestigious luxury textile products and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for thousands of artisan families.
The delegation further appreciated the Government’s efforts in implementing the GI Pashmina Labelling Initiative, which has significantly strengthened the authenticity and credibility of genuine Kashmir Pashmina products in domestic and international markets. While acknowledging the considerable enhancement in testing and certification capacity achieved in recent years, the Foundation requested the establishment of a dedicated facilitation mechanism for verified exporters to ensure timely processing of export consignments without affecting the integrity of the certification process.
The members of the delegation also expressed their appreciation for the transformative development initiatives undertaken across Jammu & Kashmir under the leadership of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor. As a responsible civil society organization, the PEMA Foundation particularly appreciated the administration’s sustained and determined efforts to combat the menace of drug abuse, which has emerged as a major social challenge. The Foundation acknowledged the various awareness campaigns, enforcement measures, and rehabilitation initiatives being implemented to safeguard the future of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor gave a patient hearing to the issues and suggestions presented by the delegation and assured continued support for initiatives aimed at artisan welfare, preservation of traditional crafts, and promotion of exports from Jammu & Kashmir.
The PEMA Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to preserve the legacy of Kashmir Pashmina, enhance artisan livelihoods, and strengthen the global presence of this unique heritage craft.
