Army-backed flagship center empowers 140 women in Kashmir’s Kupwara

The commercial success of the products made by these women helped them get on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Photo for representation purposes | Photo credit: The Hindu

The Indian Army has helped 140 women in this village near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district become self-reliant by setting up a flag center where they handcraft the tricolor.

The group known as Flag Women of Kupwara (FLWOK) started in April 2022 as a cooperative society supported and promoted by the military.

“The company has 12 skill development centers where 140 women from different parts of Kupwara are employed,” a senior army officer told PTI.

“FLWOK is known for its intricate craftsmanship and distinctive hand-stitched and embroidered Ashoka Chakras on the tricolor, which sets it apart from other commercially available national flags,” the officer said, adding that the center also produces Kashmiri hand-embroidered linen. “FLOWK has supplied more than 4,500 flags of various sizes for campaigns like Har Ghar Tiranga and Independence and Republic Day since its inception in 2022. Their efforts were appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who mentioned them during his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address,” the officer said.

The commercial success of the products made by these women helped them get on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), increasing their chances of getting more orders.

“Each item sold empowers these women, ensures economic development and helps them live their lives with dignity and self-confidence,” said an army officer.

Sheikh Jamsheed, a social worker, said the army not only polices the borders but also consistently focuses on women empowerment.

“In Trehgam, where this center operates, our mothers and sisters are making flags. They are doing hand embroidery. First they were trained and then the Indian Army provided a center there. Since then, about 30 families are earning their livelihood there by hand-making the national flag,” Mr. Jamsheed said.

“Whether it’s training radio jockeys or any other women-safe platform, the Indian Army is always at the forefront,” he added.

Tauseef Ahmad War, a rights activist, praised the Army’s efforts but wanted these initiatives to be replicated in other parts of North Kashmir.

“This should not remain confined to just one area. It should benefit the entire North Kashmir and such programs should be started everywhere so that people know about these initiatives and benefit from them,” he added.

Published – 14 Sep 2026 14:35 IST