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Geographical Indication Tag UPSC CSE

GI Tags

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Summary of 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.

While both GI and trademarks identify products, a GI indicates a specific geographical origin and the unique qualities derived from that region, whereas a trademark is a sign used to distinguish goods or services of one enterprise from those of others.

Any legally recognized entity, such as associations, organizations, or authorities, acting on behalf of producers' interests, can submit applications to the Registrar of Geographical Indications.

The ODOP initiative aims to identify, brand, and promote one unique product from each district, many of which are GI-tagged items, to boost local economic growth and entrepreneurship.

Producers gain legal protection for their unique products, preventing unauthorized use and enhancing market value, leading to increased revenue.

Uttar Pradesh - As of April 2024 , it has 75 GI Tags

Darjeeling tea, from west Bengal in 2004

Background of GI Tag

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.

Introduction of GI Tag

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.

Key Features and Protections to GI Products

Benefits of registration of Geographical Indications

Challenges and Future Prospects

While GI protection offers numerous benefits, challenges remain, including


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.

Differentiation from Trademarks

List of Important GI Tags

State: Andhra Pradesh


State: Arunachal Pradesh


State: Assam


State: Bihar


State: Chattisgarh


State: Goa


State: Gujarat


State: Himachal Pradesh


State: Jharkhand


State: Karnataka


State: Kerala


State: Madhya Pradesh


State: Maharashtra


State: Manipur


State: Mizoram


State: Odisha


State: Rajasthan


State: Tamilnadu


State: Telangana


State: Uttar Pradesh


State: West Bengal


Union Territory: Jammu and Kashmir


Union Territory: Pondicherry


Union Territory: Ladakh


List of GI Tags granted from April 2023 - March 2024

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


Rajasthan


Ladakh


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


Goa


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


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


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


Madhya Pradesh


Telangana

  1. Hyderabad Lac Bangles - Handicraft

Government Initiatives

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 :

GI Logo

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.

DPIIT

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).

Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI)

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.

ONDC

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.

Conclusion of GI Tag

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.

Prelims PYQS of Geographical Indication Tag

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.
Crafts Heritage of
1. Puthukkuli shawls Tamil Nadu
2. Sujni embroidery Maharashtra
3. Uppada Jamdani saris Karnataka
Which of the pairs given above is /are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 3 only
(d) 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(a) 1 only
India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 in order to comply with the obligations to (2018)
(a) ILO
(b) IMF
(c) UNCTAD
(d) WTO

Correct Answer :(d) WTO
Which of the following has/have been accorded 'Geographical Indication' status? (2015)
1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(c) 1 and 3 only
Kalamkari painting refers to (2015)
(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
(b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in NorthEast India.
(c) a block-painted woollen cloth in the Western Himalayan region of India
(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India

Correct Answer :(a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India
Consider the following towns of India: (UPSC Prelims 2014)
1. Bhadrachalam
2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram
4. Karnal

Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 3 and 4

Correct Answer :(b) 2 and 3 only

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