Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Inaugurates Advanced Pashmina Certification Centre by EPCH and WII in Dehradun
New Delhi, 21st December 2024 — The Advanced Centre for Pashmina Certification, a collaborative initiative by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun has taken a significant step forward in advancing its testing capabilities. Advanced testing machines have been installed at the centre located at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. This cutting-edge technology is poised to revolutionize the accuracy and efficiency of testing processes, furthering the Government of India’s mission to ensure the highest standards for authentic Pashmina products.
The new upgraded facility was inaugurated by Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Labour & Employment Govt. of India in the presence of Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India; Jitendra Kumar IFS, DG Forest; Shushil Kumar Awasthi, Additional Director General of Forest; Virendra Tiwari, IFS, Director WII; Dr. Ruchi Badola Dean, WII; Rajesh Rawat, Additional Executive Director, EPCH; Dr. S. K. Gupta (Scientist F) and other senior officers were present.
Dileep Baid, Chairman, EPCH shared that the Advanced Centre for Pashmina Certification is a major leap towards ensuring pure Pashmina authenticity and fostering sustainable trade. The advanced equipment’s installed will strengthen our testing processes, ensuring exporters meet the stringent standards of international markets. It is a proud moment for us as we take another step towards supporting the artisans and manufacturers in this sector.
R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH said that this state-of-the-art centre is equipped with advanced technology to ensure precise and authentic certification of Pashmina products. It will enhance the credibility of Pashmina in global markets, support artisans by maintaining quality standards, and promote sustainable livelihoods. He further added the broader impact of this upgradation is a game-changer for the Pashmina Certification Centre. It will enable us to provide precise and efficient certification services to exporters, which is essential for meeting buyer requirements globally. This initiative underscores our commitment to equipping the Pashmina industry with modern tools and resources that foster innovation and growth.
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts is a nodal agency for promotion of exports of handicrafts from the Country and create brand image of magic of the gifted hands of millions of artisans and crafts persons engaged in production of home, lifestyle, textiles, furniture and fashion jewellery & accessories products in different craft clusters of the Country. The Handicrafts exports during the year 2023-24 was Rs. 32,759 Crores (US $ 3,956 Million) registering a growth of 9.13% in rupee term & 6.11% in dollar terms over the previous year, as informed by R. K. Verma, Executive Director, EPCH.
