Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Context: Seven products from across India, including four from Rajasthan, were given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.

About GI Tag

• Definition: Geographical Indications of Goods are defined as that aspect of industrial property which refer to the geographical indication referring to a country or to a place situated as being the country or place of origin of that product.
  • Typically, such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to the fact of its origin in that defined geographical locality, region or country.
• GI Tag in India: The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act seeks to provide for the registration and protection of Geographical Indications relating to goods in India.
• Governed By:  Under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of IPRs.
  • It is also covered under the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement of WTO.
• Validity: This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
• Significance: The Geographical Indication registration confers the following benefits:
  • Legal protection to the products.
  • Prevents unauthorized use of GI tag products by others.
  • It helps consumers to get quality products of desired traits and is assured of authenticity.
  • Promotes the economic prosperity of producers of GI tag goods by enhancing their demand in national and international markets.

Recent GI Tags

Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (Uttar Pradesh):

• This craft from Jalesar in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district involves making decorative metal craft and brassware, including ghungrus (anklets) and ghantis (bells).
• The Thatheras community, residing in the Hathuras locality, is responsible for creating these beautiful metal products.

Goa Mankurad Mango (Goa):

• An enchanting Mango Variety from Goa, Goa Mankurad Mango, also referred to Goa Alphonso is a delightful mango variety grown in Goa.
• Due to its sweet taste, juicy pulp, thin skin, and pleasant aroma, it is regarded as one of the finest mango varieties in India.
• The mango’s name has an interesting historical background.
• Initially named “malcorada” by the Portuguese, which means ‘poor colored’ it later evolved into “mankurad aamo” (mango) in Konkani.

Goan Bebinca (Goa):

• Known as the ‘queen of Goan desserts,’ Bebinca is a traditional Indo-Portuguese pudding.
• It is a layered cake made with thin layers of flour, eggs, coconut milk, sugar, and ghee (clarified butter).
• After adding each layer, the cake is baked in an earthen oven, resulting in a rich and moist texture.

Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft (Rajasthan):

• This traditional craft involves ornamenting weapons with intricate designs, gold and silver wire embedding, and polishing.
• The process results in exquisite and finely crafted metalware.

Bikaner Kashidakari Craft (Rajasthan):   

• Traditional craftspeople from the Meghwal community in Bikaner and nearby districts create this craft on cotton, silk, or velvet.
• The intricate fine stitches and mirrorwork are mainly used for marriage-related objects and are believed to ward off the ‘evil eye.’

Jodhpur Bandhej Craft (Rajasthan):

• Known for its vibrant and colorful appeal, Bandhej is an ancient Rajasthani art of tying and dyeing textiles.
• The fabrics used for Bandhej are muslin, silk and voile.
• Cotton thread is used for tying the fabric.

Bikaner Usta Kala Craft (Rajasthan):

• Also known as gold nakashi or gold manauti work, this craft is characterized using untreated raw camel hide.
• The skilled Dapgar community of leather craftspeople meticulously process and mold the leather to create durable and golden-hued products.

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