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Context: The Geographical Indications Registry has granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to seven products from different regions of India, with four of them belonging to Rajasthan.

Details

• India is a land of rich cultural heritage and diversity, where various forms of art and craft have flourished for centuries. Among these, some have gained recognition and protection as Geographical Indications (GI), which are signs used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. GI products are not only a source of pride for the local communities, but also a means of preserving their traditional knowledge and skills, as well as promoting their economic development.
• Recently, seven products from across India, including four from Rajasthan, were given the GI tag by the Geographical Indications Registry under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The GI tags were secured by ‘Jalesar Dhatu Shilp’ (a metal craft), ‘Goa Mankurad Mango’, ‘Goan Bebinca’, ‘Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft’, ‘Bikaner Kashidakari Craft’, ‘Jodhpur Bandhej Craft’, and ‘Bikaner Usta Kala Craft’.

Jalesar Dhatu Shilp

• Jalesar Dhatu Shilp is a metal craft that originated in the Jalesar town of Etah district in Uttar Pradesh. It is a unique form of brassware that involves intricate engraving and embossing of floral, geometric and animal motifs on brass utensils, lamps, idols, vases, trays and other decorative items.
• The craft dates back to the 16th century when it was patronized by the Mughal emperors. The artisans use traditional tools and techniques to create exquisite designs, which reflect the influence of Persian, Turkish and Indian styles. The Jalesar Dhatu Shilp is known for its durability, elegance and artistic value.

Goa Mankurad Mango

• Goa Mankurad Mango is a variety of mango that is grown in Goa, especially in the Bardez taluka. It is also known as Goa Mancurad or Goa Alphonso. It is considered to be one of the best varieties of mangoes in India, owing to its sweet taste, juicy pulp, thin skin and pleasant aroma.
• The Goa Mankurad Mango has a long history of cultivation in Goa, dating back to the Portuguese era. It is believed that the Portuguese brought the mango saplings from Brazil and planted them in Goa.

Goan Bebinca

• Goan Bebinca is a traditional dessert that is made in Goa. It is also known as Bibik or Bebinka. It is a layered cake that consists of thin layers of flour, eggs, coconut milk, sugar and ghee (clarified butter). The cake is baked in an earthen oven after each layer is added, resulting in a rich and moist texture. The number of layers can vary from seven to sixteen, depending on the preference of the maker.
• The Goan Bebinca is usually served warm or cold with whipped cream or ice cream. It is a popular delicacy during Christmas and other festive occasions.

Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft

• Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft is a metal craft that originated in Udaipur city of Rajasthan. It is also known as Damascening or Inlaying. It is a technique of decorating metal objects with fine wires or strips of gold or silver. The metal objects can be made of iron, steel, copper or brass, and can include swords, daggers, shields, armour, jewellery boxes, trays and other ornamental items.

Bikaner Kashidakari Craft

• Bikaner Kashidakari Craft is an embroidery craft that originated in Bikaner city of Rajasthan. It is a form of embroidery that uses gold or silver threads to create elaborate designs on fabrics such as silk, velvet, satin and brocade. The embroidery can include motifs such as flowers, leaves, birds, animals, geometric shapes and human figures.
• The craft is mainly used to decorate garments such as sarees, lehengas, dupattas, shawls, turbans and jackets, as well as accessories such as bags, cushions and wall hangings.

Jodhpur Bandhej Craft

• Jodhpur Bandhej Craft is a tie-dye craft that originated in Jodhpur city of Rajasthan. It is also known as Bandhani or Bandhni. It is a technique of creating patterns or designs on fabrics by tying them with threads and then dyeing them in different colours. The fabrics can be made of cotton, silk, wool or synthetic materials, and can include sarees, dupattas, skirts, scarves and other garments.

Bikaner Usta Kala Craft

• Bikaner Usta Kala Craft is a painting craft that originated in Bikaner city of Rajasthan. It is also known as Naqqashi or Nakashi. It is a form of painting that uses gold or silver foil to create intricate designs on various surfaces such as wood, metal, marble, ivory and leather. The craft involves applying a layer of lacquer or varnish on the surface and then pasting the gold or silver foil on it. Then, the foil is cut with a fine needle to create the desired patterns or designs.
• The craft also uses colours such as red, green, blue and black to fill in the gaps between the foil. The craft is mainly used to decorate objects such as boxes, vases, trays, furniture and other decorative items.

The GI tag for these products will not only protect their identity and authenticity but also enhance their visibility and demand in the national and international markets. It will also provide a boost to the livelihoods of the artisans and farmers who are involved in their production. Moreover, it will help in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage and diversity of India.

Geographical Indications (GI)

About

• Geographical Indications (GI) are a form of intellectual property rights that protect the products or goods that originate from a specific geographical region and have distinctive qualities or reputations associated with that region.
• GI can be applied to agricultural, handicraft, industrial, or food products. For example, Darjeeling tea, Basmati rice, Kanchipuram silk, and Champagne are some of the well-known GI products in the world.
• Geographical Indication tags in India are valid for 10 years, and after this period, they can be renewed to continue safeguarding the product's unique identity and reputation.

GI Tag can provide various benefits to the producers and consumers

• It can enhance the market value and competitiveness of the products by creating a brand identity and recognition among consumers.
• It can promote the local culture, tradition, and heritage of the region and foster a sense of pride and belonging among the producers and communities.
• It can contribute to the socio-economic development of the region by generating employment, income, and livelihood opportunities for the producers and related stakeholders.
• It can also support the conservation of biodiversity, natural resources, and traditional knowledge of the region by encouraging sustainable production practices and quality standards.

Steps taken to promote and protect GI products

• India is one of the leading countries in terms of GI registration and protection. India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999, which came into force in 2003.
  • The act provides a legal framework for the registration, protection, and promotion of GI products in India. The act also establishes a Geographical Indications Registry under the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, which is responsible for administering the registration process and maintaining a register of GI products.
• Established a Geographical Indications Cell under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to coordinate and monitor various activities related to GI products in India.
• Set up a Geographical Indications Tagged World Premium Products Exhibition-cum-Sale Center at Goa International Airport to showcase and market its GI products to domestic and foreign tourists.
• Launched a logo and tagline for its GI products in 2018 to create a common identity and branding for its GI products across the world. The logo features a "tricolour" flying wheel with "G.I." written on it along with "Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India" as the tagline.
• India has also signed bilateral agreements with several countries such as Switzerland, Chile, Japan, Bhutan, etc. to protect its GI products in those countries. India has also joined multilateral agreements such as the Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin and their International Registration under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to protect its GI products globally.

Challenges in effectively utilizing and leveraging its GI potential

• Lack of awareness and knowledge among the producers and consumers about the concept and benefits of GI products.
• Lack of adequate infrastructure and facilities for quality testing, certification, packaging, labelling, marketing, etc. of GI products.
• Lack of effective enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to prevent counterfeiting, infringement, misuse, etc. of GI products.
• Lack of coordination and cooperation among various stakeholders such as producers' groups, government agencies, industry associations, research institutions, etc. involved in GI-related activities

Way Forward

• Creating more awareness and education campaigns among the producers and consumers about the importance and advantages of GI products.
• Providing more financial and technical support to the producers for improving their production quality and standards.
• Strengthening the legal and institutional framework for the registration, protection, and promotion of GI products in India and abroad.
• Enhancing the market access and visibility of GI products through online platforms, e-commerce, trade fairs, exhibitions, etc.
• Encouraging more research and innovation on GI products to improve their quality, diversity, and value addition.
• Fostering more collaboration and partnership among various stakeholders to create a conducive ecosystem for the development and growth of GI products in India.

Conclusion

• GI products are a valuable asset for India as they reflect its rich and diverse cultural, natural, and historical heritage. By taking appropriate steps to protect and promote its GI products, India can not only boost its economic development but also preserve its identity and legacy for future generations.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How does promoting local production contribute to ensuring socio-economic development, and what positive impact does it have on communities? Moreover, what are the main challenges faced in fostering local production, and what are some potential strategies to overcome these challenges and foster sustainable local economic growth?

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