Jammu and Kashmir Launches JK Karigari Marketplace

Jammu and Kashmir government launched JK Karigari, a digital marketplace for local crafts. Released at the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav in New Delhi, this scheme runs under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM).

This platform connects local artisans and urban women Self Help Groups (SHGs) directly with buyers. About 4,000 SHGs with 50,000 women are currently in this network. You can buy items like Pashmina shawls, papier-mache, walnut wood carvings, and local food. Each item has a QR code to check details about the artisan, district, and GI-tag. This makes the purchase clear for buyers.

Expanding reach for local artisans

The government uses direct digital payments to cut out middlemen and help local producers earn more. This follows a November 2024 agreement with the Uttar Pradesh Handicrafts Development and Marketing Corporation to give regional crafts more space in the market.