Author – Dibash Sarkar | Editor AFPR NEWS
The government has announced that eligible agencies working towards promoting GI will receive financial support.
The Indian government has pledged monetary aid to qualifying organizations that are committed to advancing Geographic Indication (GI) products.
Operational guidelines have been released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) regarding financial aid for initiatives that promote Geographical Indications (GIs).
Under the purview of the commerce and industry ministry, DPIIT specializes in managing investments and safeguarding intellectual property rights (IPRs). Among these IPRs is the Geographical Indication (GI), which pertains to agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods – including both handicrafts and industrial products – originating from a specific geographical region.
A name’s origin often serves as a hallmark of its quality and individuality, lending it an air of reliability and exclusivity.
GI tagged items that have gained worldwide recognition include Basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea, Chanderi Fabric, Mysore Silk, Kullu Shawl, Kangra Tea, Thanjavur Paintings, Allahabad Surkha, Farrukhabad Prints, Lucknow Zardozi, and Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving.
The Indian government has pledged financial support to qualifying agencies for initiatives promoting Geographical Indications (GIs) in alignment with the national IPR policy goals. The objective is to raise awareness about the value and distinctiveness of GIs, promote registered Indian GIs, identify potential GIs, and motivate stakeholders to pursue registration. This was announced by the DPIIT in a statement.
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The ultimate goal is to offer a diverse range of platforms to GI stakeholders, affording them abundant opportunities for the expansion of their businesses and the generation of income.
The strategy also involves gathering data on the socioeconomic status of GI goods’ producers, their means of living, and other relevant details. This information would aid policymakers in designing appropriate interventions to support these producers.
As per the official statement, eligible agencies will receive financial support in the form of 100% grants to promote Geographical Indications (GI).
The allocation of aid will be contingent upon either actual expenses or the maximum allowable amount per category, whichever is lesser, consistent with the protocols outlined in the operational guidelines.
The department has the authority to independently launch efforts to promote GIs domestically and internationally. This includes collaborating with Indian diplomatic missions, agencies, and apex industry chambers, as well as their overseas equivalents.
The moment a product is granted a GI tag, no individual or corporation may market a similar item under that same name. This designation retains its validity for a decade, after which it may be extended through renewal.
In addition to safeguarding the product, registering it as a Geographical Indication offers legal protection, discourages unauthorized usage, and boosts exportation efforts.