New Delhi, December 29: Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, Committee of Administration (COA), Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), extended heartfelt congratulations to Capt. Mukesh Kumar Gombar, newly elected Chairperson, and Shri Aslam Mahboob, newly elected Vice Chairperson of CEPC.
The congratulations were conveyed during the COA meeting held today at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Okhla, New Delhi, following the declaration of CEPC election results earlier this month. The meeting was attended by COA members Shri Anil Kumar Singh, Shri Bodh Raj Malhotra, Shri Mehraj Yasin Jan, Shri Mohammad Wasif Ansari,Shri Piyush Kumar Baranwal, Shri Ravi Patodia, Shri Rohit Gupta, and Shri Shaukat Khan, with some members participating virtually.
While congratulating the new leadership, Sheikh Ashiq emphasized the pressing challenges faced by the Kashmir handmade/hand-knotted carpet industry, particularly the need to address issues of counterfeit carpets, declining exports, and artisan welfare. He urged the CEPC leadership to strengthen initiatives focused on reviving traditional weaving practices, promoting geographical indication (GI)-certified carpets, and enhancing export promotion activities in Kashmir.
Capt. Mukesh Kumar Gombar, Chairperson, assured the Council’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders in the region to boost exports and safeguard the interests of artisans. He reiterated CEPC’s focus on expanding marketing platforms, ensuring authenticity in handmade carpet exports, and reinforcing Kashmir’s global image as a hub of fine craftsmanship.
CEPC remains dedicated to the sustained growth of India’s handmade carpet sector and to empowering artisans across the country, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, through transparent, inclusive, and effective initiatives.
