All India Carpet Manufacturers’ Association (AICMA), Bhadohi was esteblished in the year 1960. In the beginning there were only 11 founder members. Our association represents the interest of the carpet weavers,artisans,manufacturers and exporters of the biggest carpet producing area inthe world. The Association besides the bussiness interest of our members is also interested in welfare of carpet weaving families and artisans and all other involved in different activities of the carpet history.

Objects :

The Objects for which the Association is established are :

• To work for the protection and to generally further the interest of the Handmade Carpet Industry and to improve its art to attract foreign customers;
• To promote co-operation and harmonious relationship between members of the Association and other stakeholders of the industry, in all matters affecting the Industry in general;
• To represent the Union and State Govts. and local authorities. The views of the Association in respect or any measures proposed or enacted, in any way, affecting the working of or the interest of the Industry so that its efficiency may improve;
• To unceasingly Endeavour to achieve and maintain the highest possible standards of workmanship at all stages of manufacture;
• To co-operate with and/or become a member of any other Association or Associations or body or bodies whose objects are similar, wholly or in part, to those of this Association;
• To do all such lawful actions incidental or conducive to the attainment of all or any of the foregoing objects;

Traditional Heritage

The Production of Handmade Woollen Carpets in India started as long back as in the 16th Century. Since then it has played a vital role in the production of of oriental rugs. In our area the carpet weaving started about 200 year ago. The carpet manufacturing in India has been an age-old vocation,exclusively dedicated to the preservation of our traditional art and culture and has passed on from one generation to other generation. Carpet industry provides employments to more than 2 millions people and most of them belong to weaker section of the society. It also earns valuable foreign exchange to the tune of Rs. 16640.26 crores for the country

Achivements :

All India carpet manufacturers' Association has always played a leading role in solving the problem of the carpet industry and for benefit of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

• For the first time on the initiative of All India Carpet Manufacturers' Association exporters were given import licences. These licences were transferable and industry was benefitted and the exports increased.
• It was historical and memorable day for the carpet industry that the Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indra Gandhi, visited on 13th March, 1976 Bhadohi on the invitation of AICMA. She announced Cash Incentive on the exports carpets, laid the foundation of Bhadohi Woollen Mills, ordered for opening of hundreds of carpets weaving training centers in differnet part of country. After her visit there was a boom in the carpet industry.
• Sri V.P.Singh, Chief Minister of U.P. visited AICMA and on our demand, Bhadohi Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) was formed 1981.
• The Small exporters had taken raw material from Government agencies, Some of the exporters could not pay the bill timely. Government agencies had imposed heavy penal interest on the exporters. It was unbearable for the industry. On the demand of AICMA, the penal interest was withdrawn and industry got the relief
• The industry has been demanding for their own concile. The AICMA took the inititative and Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) was established. The President, AICMA Sri G.D. Misra became the 1st Chairmain of CEPC.
• On the invitation of AICMA, Hon'ble Communication Misnister Sri Rajesh Pilot visited AICMA and the construction of Telephone Exchange Building started.
• The matter of Child Labour was raised by some NGOs in foreign countries. The situation was very sensitive and crital. AICMA took the matter of child labour as a challenge and with the joint efforts with CEPC, the problem was solved.
• The industry was facing serious economic crisis. Most of the froeign customes wre not paying bill because of the Clean D.A. In some the cases the buyer had gone bankrupt. The AICMA took the initiative for the ban of Clean D.A. The Government issued Notification that all the exporters will be allowed on D.A. only if backed by Bank Guarantee. The Ban on Clean D.A. continued till 2002
• The matter of Child Labour was raised in U.S.. Some of the senators were demanding for ban of India Carpet n U.S. The high level delegation was sent by the Government of India. AICMA made a strong representation for the same.
• U.P. Government as imposed 12% Sale Tax on Carpet. AICMA took a strong stand on the issue. Ultimately the Sale Tax on the purchase of carpet was withdrawn.
• The industry has been demanding for SEZ for the Promotion of carpet industry. The SEZ was announces in the year 2002 but no progress has been made. The industry has been demanding that all beefits of SEZ should be given to whole carpet belt of Bhadohi-Mirzapur-Varansi.
• Hundreds of notices and recoveries wre issued by the Provident Fund Department,Varansi. There was panic among the exporters. AICMA took the matter seriously and represented strongly to the Labour Minister and the recoveries were withdrawn and the cases were finalized
• VAT- Uttar Pradesh Government had imposed vat on the carpet and the raw materials. The matter was taken seriously by AICMA with the representation and efforts of AICMA, the VAT was first withdrawn on carpet and later on raw material.
• G.I. Registration for the first time in the history of the carpet industry. The carpet industry of Bhadohi got the recognition. The carpet industry got the G.I. Registration along with Logo of "Handmade Carpet of Bhadohi". Under this all the carpets produced in major 9 districts i.e. Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Varansi, Ghazipur, Sonebhadra, Chaundali, Kaushambi. Allahabad, Jaunpur are covered under Intellectual Property Rights.
• 2015- on behest of AICMA, Mr Akhilesh Yadav, chief minister of UP laid the foundation stone of Carpet Expo Mart Bhadohi specifically meant for organising trade fairs in Bhadohi. This will a major catalyst of growth of carpet exports of this belt. Opening a way for small and medium exporters to participate in carpet fairs that was difficult for them to attend different fairs, Opening a way for small and medium exporters to participate in carpet fairs that was difficult for them to attend due to high cost involved
• The AICMA welcomes the support of the whole industry and assures its best services to the members and the whole carpet industry