Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Why in the  news?

   Recently GI tag has been given to other products including Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi, Banglar Muslin , Narasapur Crochet Lace Products and Ratlam Riyavan Garlic by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai

Important points:

• The first product to get GI tag in India was Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.
• Tamil Nadu has the highest number of GI tags in India.
• Being a member of WTO, India implemented the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which has been implemented since 2003.i.

The products which recently got GI tag are:

• About Cuttack Roopa Tarakasi: Cuttack Roopa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree) has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.
•  The application for this was filed by Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation Limited.
• It was facilitated by the Textiles and Handicrafts Department of the Government of Odisha.
• Filigree has traditionally been associated with fine craftsmanship and brilliant design in classical jewellery.
• Archaeological evidence suggests that filigree was incorporated into jewellery as early as 3500 BC in Mesopotamia.
• Even today it is practiced in the form of oil painting.

• About Banglar Muslin: Banglar Muslin is one of the popular traditional handloom crafts of Bengal.
• It is made from the finest type of muslin cotton, which is spun into threads that have high tensile strength (over 300 count and up to 600 count), i.e. higher than any other cotton products.
• About Narsapur Crochet Lace Product: This craft originated in 19 mandals of East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh and the tradition has been passed down from generation to generation.
• The origins of this industry are linked to the history of missionaries in the Godavari delta.

• Ratlam Riyawan Garlic: This garlic is named after Riyawan village in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh.
• Majuli Manuscript Paintings and Majuli Mask: Assam
• Risa Textile: Tripura
• Ambaji White Marble: Gujarat
• Kachch Rogan craft.
• Hyderabad lakh bangles.

About Geographical Indication (GI Tag):

• It is a mark used on products that have a specific geographical origin.
• These products have their own quality and reputation.
• GI tag is generally given to agricultural products, food items, wine and spirit beverages, handicrafts and industrial products.
• In India, GI tag is regulated by the Registration and Protection Act, 1999.
• GI tag is granted for 10 years at a time.
• After this it can be renewed again.

Importance of GI Tag:

• Geographical indications indicate the place of origin of a product.
• GI tag also helps in protecting the interests of local producers and artisans by preventing imitation of products.

                                       Source: The hindu