Geographical Indication (GI) Tagging
Source: The Hindu
GS III: Indian Economy – Intellectual Property Rights
Overview
- News in Brief
- About GI Tag
- Legal Framework
- Significance of GI Tagging and Challenges
Why in the News?
An article published in The Hindu explained the concept and significance of Geographical Indication (GI) tagging, highlighting its role in protecting India’s unique products and traditional knowledge.
News in Brief
- Recently two agricultural products, namely Unjha cumin and fennel, from Gujarat have received GI tags.
- India has witnessed a steady increase in GI-registered products across agriculture, handicrafts, textiles, and food products.
- With one of the largest numbers of GI-tagged products in Asia, India is strengthening the global recognition and market value of its unique regional products.
About GI Tag
- A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a legal certification given to products originating from a specific region that possess unique qualities or a reputation tied to that place, such as Banarasi Sarees, and Mysore Silk.
- A form of Intellectual Property Right (IPR).
- Only authorised producers from the notified geographical area can use the registered GI name.
- Darjeeling Tea was the first product in India to get this tag in 2004.
Main Categories
- Handicrafts- Items made by hand, like Madhubani Paintings and Channapatna Toys.
- Agricultural- Grown crops, like Alphonso Mango and Coorg Orange.
- Food Stuff– Local eats, like Tirupati Laddu and Mysore Pak.
- Manufactured & Natural- Made goods or raw stones, like Makrana Marble.
Legal Framework
- Governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which started on September 15, 2003.
- Administered by the Geographical Indications Registry located in Chennai, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- A GI registration is valid for 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely successive 10 year period upon payment of the prescribed renewal fee.
- India provides GI protection in line with the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement.
Who Can Apply?
- Applications can be filed by:
- Producer associations.
- Cooperative societies.
- Government organisations.
- Statutory bodies representing producers.
- Note: Individual producers cannot apply independently.
Significance of GI Tagging
- Protects traditional knowledge and indigenous products from loss.
- Prevents misuse, counterfeiting and unfair competition, by protecting registered geographical names from being used for fake or imitation products.
- Enhances export potential and brand value.
- Generates higher income for farmers, artisans and craftsmen.
- Promotes rural employment and local entrepreneurship.
- Preserves India’s cultural heritage and regional identity strong across generations.
Challenges
- Many local makers do not know how GI tags work or how to get them.
- Paying for legal papers, rules, and proofs is hard for poor groups.
- Fake items still sell easily because rules are hard to enforce everywhere.
- Low global branding and marketing.
- Many genuine producers are not registered as authorised users, limiting the full benefits of GI protection.
Recent Additions
| State | Recent GI-tagged Product |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Woraiyur Cotton Saree (traditional handwoven cotton saree) |
| Kavindapadi Nattu Sakkarai (traditional unrefined country sugar) | |
| Ambasamudram Choppu Samaan (traditional wooden kitchenware) | |
| Thooyamalli Rice (traditional aromatic rice variety) | |
| Andhra Pradesh | Ponduru Khadi (hand-spun and handwoven khadi made from indigenous cotton) |
| Uttar Pradesh | Mathura Zari Dress (traditional zari-embroidered textile and garments) |
| Tripura | Tripura Sarinda (traditional bowed string musical instrument) |
| Assam | Tezpur Litchi (premium litchi variety known for its sweetness and aroma) |
| West Bengal | Nolen Gur (traditional date palm jaggery) |
| Sitalpati (traditional handwoven cooling mat made from murta reeds) |
Conclusion
Leverage initiatives like One District One Product and Vocal for Local to maximise the economic and cultural potential of GI products, promoting rural livelihoods, preserving heritage, and driving sustainable and inclusive growth.
Key Takeaways
Click image to enlarge for better readability
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Consider the following statements regarding Geographical Indication (GI) Tags:
- A GI tag is a form of Intellectual Property Right.
- Individual producers can directly apply for a GI tag.
- The GI Registry in India is located in Chennai.
- GI registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
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