Current news?

• 19 items from Assam got GI tags recently.

=> The items are-

1. Assam japi,Bihu dhol,Sarthebari metal craft, Asharikandi terracotta craft, Assam pani meteka craft and Assam Mising handloom products.
2. Thirteen Bodo traditional items – Bodo dokhona, Bodo eri silk, Bodo jwmgra, Bodo gamsa, Bodo keradapini, Bodo thorkha, Bodo gongar dunjia, Bodo kham, Bodo serja, Bodo sifung, Bodo khardwi, Bodo gongona and Bodo jotha.

What are GI tags?

=> Sign of originating from a particular region.

=> Represents special quality eg Darjeeling tea.

=> The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) defines a GI as a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

Why GI tags are given?

• Special quality leads to demand
• Due to demand fake products are sold
• It brings down the reputation.

Legal provisions of GI?

=> Protection given under Geographic Indicator of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

=> The Act is in accordance with TRIPS of WTO.

=> Validity -10 years(can be renewed).

=> Applicable for Agricultural, Natural, Manufactured goods.

=> The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag was Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.

Process of getting GI tag:

1. Application for GI tag is submitted to Registrar of GI.
2. If application accepted then the registrar publish it in GI journal.
3. If no one objects the GI application in 3 months then GI tag is given.

The Geographical Indication registration confers the following benefits:

1. Benefit to the producers

• Legal protection to the products-Prevents unauthorised use of GI tag products by others

2. Benefit for customers

• It helps consumers to get quality products of desired traits and is assured of authenticity

3. Benefit to the country

• Promotes the economic prosperity of producers of GI tag goods by enhancing their demand in national and international markets
• Benefit India’s soft power.