Geographical Indications in India

India is a rich storehouse of goods with reputation or quality which can be adduced to their geographical origin or place of manufacture.

E.gs. Pashmina from Kashmir, Kangra Tea from Himachal Pradesh, Phulkari from Punjab, Kota Doria and Bikaneri bhujia from Rajasthan, Banaras Sarees & Brocades and Kanauj Perfume from Uttar Pradesh Chanderi sari from Madhya Pradesh, Madhubani painting from Bihar, Darjeeling tea from West Bengal, Muga Silk of Assam from Assam, Orisaa Ikat from Orissa, Puneri Pagadi and Paithani sarees from Maharashtra, Pochampalli sarees and Silver filigree of Karimnagar from Telangana, Kalahasthi Kalamakari and Tirupatti Laddu and Mysore silk and Channapatna toys from Karnataka, Kanjeepuram sarees and Nilgiri tea from Tamil Nadu, Aranmula metal mirror and Green cardamom from Kerala.

The economic potential of these goods is enormous

GIs are mostly from villages or small towns

Higher income for the producers from these regions have the potential to transform the rural economy for the better

Assured market attracts investment

Case of Pochampalli in Telangana

Case of Kota Doria from Rajasthan

GI and Rural Economy

Pochampally Ikat ‘Pochampally Ikat’ in Telangana, India, which was

registered in December 2004. Pochampally Ikat are popular for the traditional geometric

patterns in Ikat style of dyeing i.e. the diffused diamond or chowka design, and the use of natural fibers of cotton and silk by Handloom weaving, this traditional weaving style is a part of UNESCO’s tentative list of world heritage sites under 'iconic saree weaving clusters of India'.

Study conducted by a Government organisation show that, Weaver’s Income increased by 27% in 2005 – 2006; Increase Consumer base by 20% the producers were able

to get orders from reputed companies & brands. The producers who had migrated to other cities shifted

back to Pochampally, Establishment of First Handloom park at Pochampally

Kota Doria Kota Doria is a textile product from Rajasthan was

registered in July 2005 Kota Doria is a unique blend of cotton and silk in a

square check pattern, Kota Doria is a light weight fine weave, with silk providing the shine and cotton providing the strength to the fabric. The checked pattern is one of the most distinguishing features of the fabric.

Study by an NGO reveals that: Increase in income of weavers tripled from Rs 700 per

PAN (30 yards) in 2005 to Rs 2000 in 2008 Increase in employment for women by 30 %; Women self help groups & training centres were

established, Presently 10,000 families are engaged; Establishment of Hospitals & Schools,

Many registered and potential GIs of India are in the MSME sector

Eg: Coimbatore Wet Grinders, Meerut Scissors, Bikaneri Bhujia and Ratlami Sev

GI protection enables them to develop their market and

increase returns

GIs and Industry

GIs are unique products coming from demarcated areas

Cultivation or manufacturing process itself can attract tourists

Handicrafts and handlooms with special characteristics are always attractive to tourists.

Regions can provide attract tourists to taste the special GI foods or drinks or buy the unique products with discounts.

Eg: Mahabaleshwar Strawberry and Nashik Valley Wine

GIs and Tourism

Empowerment: Experience with improving their lots and realization that they can shape their own future, develop capability of people to participate in the development process

Equity: Since the producers of large number of registered and potential GIs belong to agriculturists, artisans classes, etc. improvement of the economy in these sectors leads to bringing in more equity in money distribution.

Social Developments and GIs

Many GI products enshrine Traditional Knowledge

Case of Aranmulla kannadi (metal mirror) from Kerala

Case of Madhubani paintings from Bihar

GIs and Traditional Knowledge

GI protection is pro-consumer also

A GI product is a quality assurance for the consumer

It is a guarantee of the genuineness of the product

GIs and Consumers

GI products have to ensure consistency of their quality and unique characteristics.

Needs regular monitoring and inspection

Proprietors and authorized users should establish self

regulating mechanisms. Eg: Mysore Silk, Mysore Sandal Soap and Kashmir Pashmina

GIs as a Quality Assurance

Concerted and sustained efforts needed to develop the market for the GI products

With the protection assured by GI registration, if the market is developed, pirates and counterfeiters cannot encroach that market

Brand building is very important Develop logos Establish tie ups with retailers and bulk suppliers Advertise and publicize

Marketing the GI

GIs are community properties

Matter of national pride

Important role in rural development

Eg: Darjeeling tea, Bobbili Veena, Basmati, Bastar Dhokra

GI and National Interest

Identify all the potential GIs in the country

Prepare detailed documentation on each of them

Organize the producers

Take measures for protecting the quality.

Apply to Register the potential ones

“Each Indian GI has an assurance of distinctiveness and quality, attributable to its origin in the defined geography. Be it the famed Darjeeling Tea ‘loved worldwide’, or Makrana Marble that created the undisputable ‘edifice of eternal love – the Taj Mahal’ to the Banaras Brocades and Sarees that eptiomize ‘sheer poetry on Cloth’, The revered Tirupathi Laddu comes from the ‘Sri Vari Temple on Tirumala hills, the fragrance of Kannauj Perfume and intricate Mysore Rosewood Inlay work captivates millions, even as they relish the mouth watering Bikaneri Bhujia, show case the richness of India’s heritage and culture”.

THANK YOU