NEWS – A record 60 traditional products from across India granted GI tag

HIGHLIGHTS

• Six traditional crafts from Assam, including terracotta, metal craft, bamboo headgear (Jaapi), handloom products, and Bihu dhol, have been awarded the GI tag.
• Thirteen other products from Assam, such as Bodo Dokhona (traditional attire), Bodo Eri silk (fabric of peace), and various traditional items like scarves, musical instruments, and clothing, have also received the GI tag.
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed this achievement as a victory for Assam’s heritage, highlighting the economic support provided to nearly one lakh people through these products.
• Banaras Thandai, a famous drink from Varanasi, and several other products like Banaras Tabla, Shehnai, and Lal Peda, have been granted the GI tag, recognizing their historical and cultural significance.
• Tripura secured two GI tags for the Pachra-Rignai traditional dress and Matabari Peda sweet preparation.
• Meghalaya also secured GI tags for Garo Textile weaving, Lyrnai Pottery, and Chubitchi, showcasing the socio-cultural and religious importance of these products.

GI TAG

• Primarily an agricultural, natural or a manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory
• Once the GI protection is granted, no other producer can misuse the name to market similar products. It also provides comfort to customers about the authenticity of that product
• Any association of persons, producers, organisation or authority established by or under the law can be a registered proprietor.
• Their name should be entered in the Registrar of Geographical Indication as registered proprietor for the Geographical Indication applied for
• The registration of a geographical indication is valid for a period of 10 years.
• It can be renewed from time to time for further period of 10 years each.
• In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 which came into force with effect from September 2003
• The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag was Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05