GI Tag

A geographical indication (GI) is a label for products tied to a specific geographic origin, showcasing their unique qualities. India's Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999, enacted in line with WTO agreements, protects over 600 registered GIs (as on march 2024) like Basmati Rice and Darjeeling Tea to protect the uniqueness and authenticity of these products. To promote GI-worthy products, the government initiated schemes like Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) and One District One Product (ODOP) aiming to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform facilitates market access for GI-tagged products, while export promotion efforts and virtual buyer-seller meets have fostered international partnerships and market access.

Recently, a number of products have been granted GI tag including Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree), Narasapur Crochet lace product of Andhra Pradesh, Kapdaganda Shawl, Khajuri Guda and Simlipal Kai Chutney from Odisha, Majuli masks of Assam. Geographical Indications (GIs) are a type of intellectual property (IP) that identifies a product with a specific geographic location. They came about to ensure that there is no fraud done on the buyer when an item claims to be from a unique location. Hence, GI tags ensure that consumers get authentic products from a specific region known for its unique qualities. International agreements played a key role in establishing GIs. Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (Articles 1(2) and 10) and Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement (Articles 22 to 24). These agreements set the foundation for GIs as a form of intellectual property protection which was later implemented by signatories worldwide.

A geographical indication (GI) helps identify products originating from a particular geographical area, highlighting unique inherent qualities or characteristics, and reputation attributed to that specific origin. GI tags benefit both producers and consumers. Producers can use them to protect their reputation and prevent others from making similar products outside the designated region. Consumers get a guarantee of the product's authenticity and quality associated with a particular location. In India, GI registration has been managed by the Geographical Indications of Goods Act since September 15, 2003 and the issuance is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a division under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Act was enacted in line with WTO guidelines.

India's Geographical Indication (GI) tag is granted to an extensive array of products, representing diverse categories that include agricultural produce, natural resources, manufactured goods, textiles, handicrafts, and food items. Registration is initially valid for 10 years, extendable for another decade upon renewal. Failure to renew within this period results in removal from the register.

• Geographical indications (GIs) originate from a specific geographical area and are used to identify agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods.
• These goods must be produced, processed, or prepared within that territory and possess special quality, reputation, or other characteristics.
• Registration of a geographical indication is initially valid for 10 years and can be renewed for further periods of 10 years each.
• GIs convey an assurance of quality and distinctiveness attributed to their origin in a defined geographical location, region, or country.
• Darjeeling tea from West Bengal was the first product in India to obtain a GI tag.
• At the international level, the United Nations' specialized agency, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), serves as a nodal organization for GI-related matters. WIPO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
• In India, the nodal authority for Geographical Indications is the Ministry of Commerce, specifically the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks. The Geographical Indications Registry, responsible for registering GIs in India, is located in Chennai.

• Provides legal protection to Geographical Indications within India.
• Prevents unauthorized usage of registered Geographical Indications.
• Enhances the export potential of Indian Geographical Indications through legal protection.
• Stimulates economic prosperity for producers.
• Facilitates the pursuit of legal protection in other member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• It adds a sense of premiumness to the product, which in turn helps in fetching higher prices in the international market.
• This increase in revenue directly benefits farmers and artisans involved in the production process.
• Brand standing: Creating visibility and premium pricing for protected goods, empowering local communities to build their brand identity. Example Kancheepuram silk saree and Puthukkuli shawl of Tamil Nadu
• Promoting Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Rural Development: Encouraging traditional practices, supporting local economies, and fostering sustainable development. Such as Kollam kala of kerala.
• Tourism Promotion: GI-tagged products often serve as cultural ambassadors for their respective regions, attracting tourists interested in experiencing the unique legacy, flavors, and traditions associated with those products
• Biodiversity Conservation: Preserving ecosystems, rare species, and natural resources by promoting traditional farming methods and protecting local landscapes.

While GI protection offers numerous benefits, challenges remain, including

• Enforcement Issues: Ensuring compliance and enforcement of GI regulations can be challenging, particularly in regions with limited resources or weak governance structures.
• Globalization and Counterfeiting: In an increasingly globalized marketplace, counterfeit products posing as GI-protected goods present a significant threat to the integrity of GI systems.
• Balancing Tradition with Innovation: Finding a balance between preserving traditional practices and embracing innovation is essential for the long-term sustainability of GI products.

Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999: To adhere to the TRIPS agreement, India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999. This legislation establishes a legal framework for safeguarding Geographical Indications (GIs) in India and mandates the establishment of a Geographical Indications Registry.

• The Geographical Indications Registry, located in Chennai, facilitates the registration of geographical indications by right holders and holds jurisdiction across India. Administered by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks, the Act designates the Controller as the 'Registrar of Geographical Indications'.
• The Act officially came into effect in September 2003, aiming to protect and promote products falling under five distinct categories:
  1. Agriculture
  2. Manufactured goods
  3. Handlooms and Handicrafts
  4. Food products
  5. Wines and Spirits
• Eligibility for Geographical Indication Registration
  • Any group of individuals, producers, organization, or legal authority established according to the law is eligible to apply.
  • The applicant must act on behalf of the producers' interests.
  • The application must be submitted in written form using the designated format.
  • The application should be directed to the Registrar of Geographical Indications and accompanied by the required fee.
• Definition of a Producer in Geographical Indication Context: A producer refers to an individual involved in three distinct types of goods:
  • Agricultural goods, which encompass production, processing, trading, or dealing.
  • Natural goods, which involve exploiting, trading, or dealing.
  • Handicrafts or industrial goods, which include making, manufacturing, trading, or dealing.
• Criteria for Infringement of a Registered Geographical Indication
  • Infringement occurs when unauthorized use implies or suggests that the goods originate from a geographical area other than their true place of origin, misleading the public about their geographical origins.
  • It also happens when the use of a Geographical Indication leads to unfair competition, including passing off, concerning the registered Geographical Indication.
  • Furthermore, infringement takes place when the use of another Geographical Indication falsely represents to the public that goods originate in a territory related to a Geographical Indication.
• Transfer of Registered Geographical Indication
  • Geographical Indications, being public property owned by the producers of the relevant goods, cannot be assigned, transmitted, licensed, pledged, mortgaged, or subjected to similar agreements.
  • In the event of the authorized user's demise, the right to the Geographical Indication passes on to their successor in title.
• Removal of Registered Geographical Indication or Authorized User
  • The Appellate Board or the Registrar of Geographical Indication holds the authority to remove a registered Geographical Indication or authorized user from the register.
  • An individual aggrieved by such action can file an appeal within three months from the date of receiving the order.

• A trademark is a sign used in the course of trade to distinguish goods or services of one enterprise from those of others.
• On the other hand, a geographical indication is used to identify goods with special characteristics originating from a specific geographical area.

State: Andhra Pradesh

• Agricultural: Guntur Sannam Chilli, Banaganapalle Mangoes.
• Handicraft: Srikalahasti Kalamkari, Uppada Jamdani Sarees, Kondapalli Bommallu, Bobbili Veena, Durgi Stone Carvings, Etikoppaka Toys.
• Food Stuff: Tirupati Laddu, Bandar Laddu

State: Arunachal Pradesh

• Agricultural: Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice), Yak Churpi
• Handicraft: Idu Mishmi Textiles

State: Assam

• Handicraft: Muga Silk
• Manufactured: Judima

State: Bihar

• Food Stuff: Silao Khaja
• Handicraft: Madhubani Paintings, Sujini Embroidery
• Manufactured: Bhagalpuri Zardalu, Katarni Rice

State: Chattisgarh

• Handicraft: Bastar Dhokra, Champa Silk Saree and Fabrics

State: Goa

• Agricultural: Khola Chilli
• Manufactured: Feni

State: Gujarat

• Agricultural: Bhalia Wheat
• Handicraft: Sankheda Furniture,Jamnagari Bandhani, Tangaliya Shawl, Mata ni Pachhedi

State: Himachal Pradesh

• Agricultural: Kangra Tea
• Handicraft: Kullu Shawl

State: Jharkhand

• Handicraft: Sohrai – Khovar Painting.

State: Karnataka

• Agricultural: Coorg Orange, Coorg Green Cardamom, Appemidi Mango, Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee, Monsooned Malabar Arabica Coffee
• Handicraft: Mysore Silk, Kasuti Embroidery, Molakalmuru Sarees Handicraft, Sandur Lambani Embroidery, Kinhal Toys, Kolhapuri Chappal
• Manufactured: Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Agarbathi

State: Kerala

• Agricultural: Navara Rice, Pokkali Rice, Nilambur Teak, Kaipad Rice, Chengalikodan Nendran Banana, Attappady Thuvara
• Handicraft: Aranmula Kannadi, Alleppey Coil.

State: Madhya Pradesh

• Agricultural: Sharbati Gehu
• Food Stuff: Ratlami Sev ,Jhabua Kadaknath Black Chicken Meat
• Handicraft: Chanderi Sarees, Maheshwar Sarees and Fabrics

State: Maharashtra

• Agricultural: Nashik Grapes, Mangalwedha Jowar, Navapur Tur Dal, Ajara Ghansal Rice, Lasalgaon Onion, Sangli Raisins, Ambemohar Rice, Alphonso
• Handicraft: Kolhapuri Chappal

State: Manipur

• Handicraft: Shaphee Lanphee, Wangkhei Phee
• Agricultural: Chak-Hao ( with Nagaland) , Tamenglong Orange

State: Mizoram

• Handicraft: Pawndum, Tawlhlohpuan

State: Odisha

• Agricultural: Kandhamal Haladi, Koraput Kalajeera Rice
• Handicraft: Konark Stone Carving, Khandua Saree and Fabrics, Gopalpur Tussar Fabrics, Dungaria Kondh Embroidered Shawl

State: Rajasthan

• Handicraft: Thewa Art Work, Molela Clay Work, Sanganeri Hand Block Printing, Bagru Hand Block Print, Pokaran Pottery.
• Natural: Makrana Marble

State: Tamilnadu

• Agricultural: Madurai Malli, Erode Manjal (Erode Turmeric).
• Food Stuff: Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai, Salem Sago.
• Handicraft: Kancheepuram Silk, Dindigul Locks, Thanjavur Paintings, Salem Silk (Salem Venpattu), Kovai Kora Cotton Sarees, Arani Silk, Pattamadai Pai (Pattamadai Mat), Toda Embroidery, Thirubuvanam Silk Sarees, Kandangi Sarees.
• Natural: Marthandam Honey.

State: Telangana

• Handicraft: Pochampally Ikat, Gadwal Sarees, Cheriyal Paintings, Nirmal Toys and Craft, Pembarthi Metal Craft, Adilabad Dokra, Telia Rumal

State: Uttar Pradesh

• Agriculture: Mango Malihabadi Dusseheri, Kalanamak Rice.
• Handicraft: Khurja Pottery, Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip, Sambhal Horn Craft

State: West Bengal

• Agricultural: Darjeeling Tea, Tulapanji Rice, Gobindobhog Rice
• Food Stuff: Joynagar Moa, Bardhaman Sitabhog.
• Handicraft: Baluchari Saree, Dhaniakhali Saree, Purulia Chau Mask ,Nakshi Kantha

Union Territory: Jammu and Kashmir

• Agricultural: Kashmir Saffron
• Handicraft: Kani Shawl

Union Territory: Pondicherry

• Handicraft: Villianur Terracotta Works, Tirukanur Papier Mache Craft

Union Territory: Ladakh

• Agricultural: Ladakh Raktsey Karpo Apricot
• Handicraft: Pashmina Wool

Uttar Pradesh

1. Mahoba Gaura Patthar - Handicraft
2. Hastashlip - Handicraft
3. Mainpuri Tarkashi - Handicraft
4. Baghpat Home Furnishings - Handicraft
5. Barabanki Handloom Product - Handicraft
6. Kalpi Handmade Paper - Handicraft
7. Agra Leather Footwear - Manufactured
8. Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (Metal Craft) - Handicraft
9. Goa Mankurad Mango - Agricultural
10. Goa Bebinca - Food Stuff
11. Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (Metal Craft) - Handicraft
12. Patchwork of Rampur - Handicraft
13. Mathura Sanjhi Craft - Handicraft
14. Banaras Tabla - Handicraft
15. Banaras Lal Bharwamirch - Agricultural
16. Pilibhit Bansuri - Handicraft
17. Banaras Lal Peda - Food Stuff
18. Banaras Shehnai - Handicraft
19. Sambhal Bone Craft - Handicraft
20. Moonj Craft of Uttar Pradesh - Handicraft
21. Chitrakoot Wooden Craft & Toys - Handicraft
22. Sawantwadi Wooden Craft - Handicraft
23. Banaras Thandai - Food Stuff
24. Banaras Mural Painting - Handicraft
25. Pilkhuwa Hand Block Print - Textile
26. Banaras Metal Casting Craft - Handicraft
27. Bareilly Cane & Bamboo Craft - Handicraft
28. Tharu Embroidery of Uttar Pradesh - Handicraft
29. Bareilly Zari Zardoji - Handicraft
30. Banaras Tirangi Barfi - Handicraft

Andhra Pradesh

• Atreyapuram Pootharekulu - Food Stuff
• Narasapur Crochet Lace Products - Handicraft

Rajasthan

• Nathdwara Pichhwai Painting - Handicraft
• Udaipur Koftgari Metal Craft - Handicraft
• Bikaner Kashidakari Craft - Handicraft
• Jodhpur Bandhej Craft - Handicraft
• Bikaner Usta Kala Craft - Handicraft

Ladakh

• Ladakh Seabuckthorn - Agricultural

Jammu & Kashmir

1. Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft - Handicraft
2. Mushqbudji Rice- Agricultural
3. Bhaderwah Rajmash - Agricultural
4. Rajouri Chikri Wood Craft - Handicraft
5. Ramban Sulai Honey - Food Stuff
6. Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products - Handicraft
7. Ramban Anardana - Agricultural

Tamil Nadu

• Jaderi Namakatti - Handicraft
• Chedibutta Saree - Handicraft
• Udangudi Panangkarupatti - Food Stuff
• Kanyakumari Matti Banana- Agricultural

Goa

• Agsechi Vayingim (Agassaim Brinjal) - Agricultural
• Sat Shiro Bheno (Sat Shirancho Bhendo) - Agricultural
• Goa Mankurad Mango - Agricultural
• Goa Bebinca - Food Stuff
• Goa Cashew (Kaju Or Caju)- Agricultural

Maharashtra

1. Bhandara Chinoor Rice - Agricultural
2. Sawantwadi Ganjifa Cards - Handicraft
3. Vasmat Haldi (Turmeric) - Agricultural
4. Nandurbar Amchur - Agricultural
5. Nandurbar Mirchi - Agricultural
6. Miraj Tanpura - Handicraft
7. Hupari Silver Craft - Handicraft
8. Miraj Sitar - Handicraft
9. Sawantwadi Wooden Craft - Handicraft
10. Panchincholi Tamarind -Agricultural
11. Borsuri Tur Dal- Agricultural
12. Kasti Coriander-Agricultural
13. Badlapur Jamun - Agricultural
14. Bahadoli Jamun -Agricultural
15. Pen Ganesh Idol -Handicraft
16. Kunthalgiri Khawa -Food stuff
17. Kavdi Maal of Tuljapur- Handicraft
18. Dagdi Jowar of Jalna -Agricultural

Odisha

1. Kendrapara Rasabali-Food Stuff
2. Odisha Khajuri Guda-Food Stuff
3. Similipal Kai Chutney - Food Stuff
4. Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal - Agricultural
5. Kapadaganda: Dungaria Kondh Embroidery Shawl - Handicraft
6. Dhenkanal Magji - Food Stuff
7. Koraput Kalajeera Rice - Agricultural
8. Painting of Lanjia Saura (IDITAL) - Handicraft
9. Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi (Silver Filigree) - Handicraft

West Bengal

1. Banglar Muslin - Handicraft
2. Tangail Saree of Bengal - Handicraft
3. Garad Saree - Handicraft
4. Korial saree - Handicraft
5. Kalonunia Rice - Agricultural
6. Sundarban Honey - Food Stuff

Arunachal Pradesh

1. Arunachal Pradesh Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice) - Agricultural
2. Arunachal Pradesh Yak Churpi - Food Stuff
3. Arunachal Pradesh Tangsa Textile Product - Handicraft
4. Arunachal Pradesh Handmade Carpet - Handicraft
5. Arunachal Pradesh Wancho Wooden Craft - Handicraft
6. Arunachal Pradesh Adi Kekir (Ginger) - Agricultural
7. Arunachal Pradesh Apatani Textile - Handicraft
8. Arunachal Pradesh Monpa Textile - Handicraft
9. Arunachal Pradesh Nyishi Textile - Handicraft
10. Arunachal Pradesh Monpa Handmade Paper - Handicraft
11. Arunachal Pradesh Adi Textile - Handicraft
12. Arunachal Pradesh Singpho Phalap (Singpho Tea) - Agricultural - Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
13. Arunachal Pradesh Galo Textile - Handicraft
14. Arunachal Pradesh Adi Apong - Manufactured
15. Arunachal Pradesh Dao (Sword) - Manufactured
16. Arunachal Pradesh Angnyat Millet - Agricultural
17. Arunachal Pradesh Marua Apo (Marua Millet Beverage) - Manufactured
18. Arunachal Pradesh Tai Khamti Textile - Handicraft
19. Assam Mishing Handloom Products - Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

Bihar

• Marcha Rice - Agricultural

Uttarakhand

1. Uttarakhand Berinag Tea - Agricultural
2. Uttarakhand Bichhu Buti (Nettle) Fabrics - Handicraft
3. Uttarakhand Mandua - Agricultural
4. Uttarakhand Jhangora - Agricultural
5. Uttarakhand Gahat - Agricultural
6. Uttarakhand Lal Chawal (Red Rice) - Agricultural
7. Uttarakhand Kala Bhat - Agricultural
8. Uttarakhand Malta Fruit - Agricultural
9. Uttarakhand Chaulai (Ramdana) - Agricultural
10. Almora Lakhori Mirchi - Agricultural
11. Uttarakhand Buransh - Food Stuff
12. Uttarakhand Pahari Toor Dal - Agricultural
13. Nainital Mombatti (Candle) - Manufactured
14. Rangwali Pichhoda of Kumaon - Handicraft
15. Ramnagar Nainital Litchi - Agricultural
16. Ramgarh Nainital Aadu (Peach) - Agricultural
17. Chamoli Wooden Ramman Mask - Handicraft
18. Uttarakhand Likhai (Wood Carving) - Handicraft

Assam

1. Majuli Mask of Assam - Handicraft
2. Assam Majuli Manuscript Painting - Handicraft
3. Bodo Dokhona - Handicraft
4. Bodo Eri Silk - Handicraft
5. Bodo Jwmgra - Handicraft
6. Bodo Gamsa - Handicraft
7. Bodo Keradapini - Agricultural
8. Bodo Thorkha - Handicraft
9. Bodo Gongar Dunjia - Agricultural
10. Bodo Kham - Handicraft
11. Bodo Serja - Handicraft
12. Bodo Sifung - Handicraft
13. Bodo Khardwi - Agricultural
14. Bodo Gongona - Handicraft
15. Bodo Jotha - Handicraft
16. Assam Jaapi - Handicraft
17. Assam Asharikandi Terracotta Craft - Handicraft
18. Assam Mishing Handloom Products - Handicraft - Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
19. Assam Bihu Dhol - Handicraft
20. Assam Pani Meteka Craft - Handicraft
21. Sarthebari Metal Craft- Handicraft

Tripura

• Tripura Risa Textile - Handicraft
• Tripura Pachra-Rignai - Handicraft
• Tripura Matabari Peda (Sweet) - Food stuff

Gujarat

1. Kachchhi Kharek - Agricultural
2. Kutch Rogan Craft - Handicraft
3. Gujarat Suf Embroidery - Handicraft
4. Bharuch Sujani Weaving - Handicraft
5. Ahmedabad Sodagari Block Print - Handicraft
6. Surat Sadeli Craft - Handicraft
7. Ambaji White Marble - Natural
8. Kutch Bandhani -Handicraft
9. Gharchola Craft of Gujarat-Handicraft

Meghalaya

• Lakadong Turmeric - Agricultural
• Meghalaya Garo Textile - Handicraft
• Meghalaya Lyrnai Pottery - Handicraft
• Meghalaya Chubitchi - Manufactured

Madhya Pradesh

• Ratlam Riyawan Lahsun (Garlic) - Agricultural
• Bundelkhand Kathiya Gehu - Agricultural- Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
• Ujjain Batik Print -Handicraft
• Gwalior Handmade Carpet -Handicraft
• Waraseoni Handloom Saree & Fabrics -Handicraft
• Jabalpur Stone Craft -Handicraft

Telangana

1. Hyderabad Lac Bangles - Handicraft

One District One Product : The One District One Product (ODOP) initiative is a significant step towards realizing the Prime Minister of India's vision of fostering balanced regional development across all districts. This concept involves identifying, branding, and promoting one unique product from each district to boost overall socioeconomic progress nationwide. By recognizing and leveraging each district's distinct strengths, ODOP aims to drive local economic growth and encourage entrepreneurship.

Initially, 106 products spanning various sectors like agriculture, handicrafts, textiles, and manufacturing were chosen in the first phase. Now, a more comprehensive list covering all 761 districts has been finalized. Notably, 80 out of the 106 ODOP products were Geographical Indication (GI) tagged items, highlighting the strong link between local communities and their unique goods. The ODOP program has identified over 400 products with GI tags, with more than 160 already being promoted. This underscores the potential of GI tags in enhancing the visibility and growth of regional industries. Under ODOP, efforts to promote GI products include various activities aimed at driving their recognition and expansion :

• Product Action Reports
  • In collaboration with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the ODOP project has developed detailed reports focusing on the action plan for Geographical Indications (GIs) items. These reports meticulously address current bottlenecks in the supply chain and propose potential solutions. They include Export-Import (EXIM) analysis, primary research on stakeholder concerns, and actionable steps for relevant ministries, departments, and autonomous organizations.
• Buyer-Seller Meets and Market Linkages
  • Under the ODOP initiative, several buyer-seller meetings (BSMs) have been conducted to facilitate trade and improve market access for various GI goods.
  • These meetings cover a diverse range of products, including agricultural items like mangoes, bananas, and chillis, textiles such as silks and handlooms, and handicrafts like woodcraft and Bidriware. Collaborating with Indian embassies globally, these events have been held in countries like Japan, Russia, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan, promoting local GI products and fostering cross-border trade.
• Training and Upskilling Initiatives
  • To support the promotion of GI products, ODOP collaborates with artisans and producers to enhance their skills and expand their capacity. Recent design training programs for craftsmen of Muga Silk from Assam and Molela Craft from Rajasthan aim to modernize their products while preserving their originality and authenticity, enhancing marketability.
• Showcase and Awareness Creation
  • ODOP is actively involved in creating brand identity and raising awareness for GI products. Utilizing platforms like social media and events such as the GI pavilion at the 2022 India International Trade Fair in New Delhi, they showcase a wide array of GI items. These efforts aim to foster recognition and appreciation among consumers, further promoting the significance of GI products.

The Commerce Ministry has introduced a distinctive logo for Geographical Indication (GI) products with the tagline "Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India." This initiative aims to enhance the appeal of GI products to foreign buyers.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) vigorously promotes GI products both domestically and internationally. It organizes the India Geographical Indications (GI) Fair, facilitating the showcasing and promotion of GI goods. Furthermore, DPIIT sets up GI Pavilions at trade shows to enhance exposure and market access. Workshops, conferences, and promotional programs are also arranged to raise awareness and boost sales of GI goods. Recently, DPIIT has released operational guidelines detailing financial assistance for initiatives aimed at promoting Geographical Indications (GIs).

The scheme aims to support artisans and rural entrepreneurs by boosting product appeal through new designs, improved packaging and assistance for new products, fostering sustained employment in traditional industries.

The Open Network for Digital Commerce enables seamless connections between Geographical Indication products and a global customer base, leveling the playing field for small and medium-sized enterprises to access wider markets and maximize product potential.

The Geographical Indication (GI) system in India plays a crucial role in empowering local artisans, preserving cultural heritage, and providing consumers with authentic experiences of India's diverse traditions. It is imperative for both the government and stakeholders to continue promoting and supporting the registration of new products for geographical indication, thereby contributing to the nation's economic growth and cultural enrichment. Recognizing the growing significance of GI tags, India has taken significant strides in legally protecting its GI products. India's promotion of "Aatmanirbhar" (self-reliant) and "Vocal for Local" initiatives, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the government's commitment to boosting GI-tagged products. Consequently, GI-tagged items are expected to witness a surge in the future, supported by government initiatives, increasing consumer demand for high-quality traditional products, expanded exports, and greater market penetration in international markets.

There is renewed zeal for GI tag registration to help boost sales, global recognition and ensure that Indian GI product sellers are not duped out of their hard earned profits. To facilitate this, the Ministry of Textiles also gave incentives for registration of handloom products GI of Goods Act, 1999. Not only this, help desks have been set up at various Weavers Service Centre to motivate people to apply and also address any issues related to GI products they must be facing. So far over 65 handloom products and 6 product logos are registered under GI Act.

To further enhance the impact of GI, actions such as awareness campaigns, capacity building, enforcement, market access facilitation, research and development, policy support and collaboration are essential. These efforts will help India leverage the potential of GI to drive economic growth and empower local communities.