The Jammu region has received a GI tag for handicrafts for the first time in the history of GI registration. According to an official announcement, NABARD began the process of GI tagging 9 Jammu region products in December 2020, in conjunction with the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, amid the challenging times of COVID. After a lengthy legal process, many products have finally received GI tags.
Union Trade and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal congratulated the country on receiving 33 GI badges, the most ever in a single year, using his official Twitter handle. The items from Jammu and Kashmir's UT have been added to the list of 33 products that will acquire the GI label on March 31, 2023.
Geographical Indications (GI) are a type of Intellectual Property right that distinguishes items that originate from a certain geographical region and have distinct nature, quality, and characteristics that are linked to that location.
According to the official statement, the Basohli artwork of Kathua district is the region's first autonomous GI-tagged product. Only an authorized user can now use the Geographical Indication in connection with these products. As a result, no one may copy it from beyond their geographical zones.
This would prevent unauthorized use of these registered Geographical Indication goods by third parties, as well as boost exports and promote their brands on a global scale, supporting the economic success of producers and related stakeholders, as well as contributing to the country's GDP.
Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, Chief General Manager of NABARD, praised the UT government's various ministries, all GI applicant organizations, and notably the capable leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He also stated that post-GI development programmes for the product will now be undertaken for training and capacity building, brand building, and marketability.
